Application Note: Please apply through website.

Position Summary:

The mission of the NYSDEC Division of Marine Resources is to manage and maintain the state's living marine, estuarine and anadromous resources, and to protect and enhance the habitat upon which these resources depend, in order to assure that diverse and self-sustaining populations of these resources are available for future generations.

The outreach steward will play a vital role in sharing information about Hudson River fisheries by developing and delivering engaging educational content to the public along the 153-mile Hudson River watershed, from New York City to Albany and occasionally the marine district. This position focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of the diverse projects conducted by the Hudson River Fisheries Unit, highlighting key species such as striped bass, river herring, American eel, blue crabs, Atlantic sturgeon, shortnose sturgeon, and the management of invasives species like grass carp and round goby. In addition, the steward will contribute to the management of important recreational and commercial species through promoting best fish handling practices, communicating with the public about current regulations and management actions, and increasing participation in the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program. 

Goal 1: Engage community members: speak with anglers and members of the public at Hudson River access sites, actively encourage public participation in the NYSDEC Cooperative Angler Program, educating anglers about the importance of safe handling practices and data collection in support of sustainable fisheries management.

Goal 2: Develop and share outreach materials at educational and community events during the week and on weekends to present information about best fishing practices, current Hudson River management actions/regulations, Hudson River fisheries research projects, and ecological diversity of the Hudson River

Goal 3: Assist with Hudson River Fisheries sampling 1-2x/week to learn about migratory fish sampling, survey preparation, and data collection.

This position is a great opportunity to foster connections between the community and local anglers to one of the most well-known rivers in the U.S, all while contributing to the conservation of its fisheries. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic communicator with a passion for conservation, fisheries management, and community outreach. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Visit Hudson River boat launches, fishing access sites, and community events to share outreach materials with anglers, answer questions, and encourage participation in the NYSDEC Cooperative Angler Program. Distribute signs to access locations and outreach information to bait shops. (50%)·

• Develop educational brochures, fact sheets, social media posts, and other educational materials to inform the public about recreational fishing and fisheries conservation. Outreach materials will be shared at community facing events (20%)
• Assist the Hudson River Fisheries Unit with field surveys, gear maintenance, and Cooperative Angler Program data entry following QAQC protocols (15%)
• Participate in SCA trainings, service projects, and other member development events (15%)

Required Qualifications:

• At a minimum, members must be high school graduates, GED recipients, or working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service. Ability to lift/ pull 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to work in an outdoor setting with varying terrain and in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable in and around the water, and boats
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Desire to learn more about fisheries management and conservation
• Ability to work independently and on weekends and travel frequently throughout the 153-mile Hudson River watershed

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/BS, with course work in education, natural resources, or environmental studies preferred; experience teaching in classroom and outdoor settings; excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ideal candidate would be willing to speak with and engage the public in addition to being creative and organized. Would possess the desire to build knowledge of new topics and issues and willingness to share with others.
• Experience interacting with the public and enjoyment of the outdoors desirable.
• Understanding of Hudson River ecology, including knowledge of local fish species, diadromous fish migration, and recreational fishing preferred. 

Hours: 40 per week

Living Accommodations: $1,000/month housing allowance (subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes), member will be responsible for finding their own housing. Limiting housing available and if received, will not receive housing allowance.

Compensation:

• $400/week, and $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC (subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes)
• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for a successful completion of the member’s term of service: $7,395. (All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.)
• NYS Food Stamp and HEAP eligible.
• Eligible for free health insurance (if applicable)
• Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans
• Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps (if applicable)
• Personal Vehicle Information: Transportation to the office is up to the candidate to decide. (A fleet car is available for field work and other work-related duties.)

Additional Benefits: SCA member will undergo on the job training and will have opportunities to experience many aspects of natural resources research and management. All Hudson Valley Corps members receive Wilderness First Aid Training, First Aid/CPR, Leave No Trace Level 1 Certification, Mental Health First Aid, $100 Professional Development Stipend, and other opportunities that arise.

Equal Opportunity Statement: SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer·         Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description   

Contact: Jessica Best jessica.best@dec.ny.gov