Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a private non-profit conservation organization in Eastern Pennsylvania located along the central Appalachian Mountains.  It was established in 1934 as the first refuge for birds of prey in the world and hosts over 75,000 visitors annually with peak visitation during the fall season.  It consists of 2550 acres of forest with 8 miles of hiking trails and several public and private facilities that are in operation seven days a week for a full calendar year.     

Position Title: Seasonal Sanctuary Steward/Invasive Species Specialist 

Compensation: $15.00 (Hourly wage) - (Up to 40 hours a week)  

Housing available for at least two candidates on a first come first serve basis with over an hour commute to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary  

Schedule: Mid-May to Mid-August – Position Starts May 19th 

• There are four positions available which, along with full-time staff, will serve as a team prioritizing control of invasive plant species and native habitat restoration.   

Position Summary: 

This Stewardship position is chiefly responsible for conducting invasive species control on the sanctuary utilizing manual, mechanical, and chemical methods.  Other principal responsibilities will be utilizing GPS to aid in mapping invasive species, conducting restoration efforts through seeding and planting, and a variety of media production to share and educate the public.  Other duties when required include but are not limited to: Facilities and trail maintenance, responding to medical and weather emergencies; minimal custodial duties, and anything else that is deemed a priority throughout the season as assigned. Internship credits can be available to selected candidates. 

Position Breakdown:    

• 65% - Conducting removal and eradication of invasive species 
• 20% - Time conducting restoration efforts utilizing native sources 
• 10% - Advanced training opportunities 
• 5% - Miscellaneous duties 

Qualifications: 

• Must be 18 years of age or older and possess a valid driver’s license 
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and written 
• Must be able to perform the physical labor required for all aspects of the position including the ability to carry a 50 lb. backpack in adverse conditions for 5 miles and be able to perform various job responsibilities in inclement weather. 
• Must be able to work and collaborate in a team environment 
• Must possess skills to effectively interact and educate the public on Sanctuary Mission 
• Must possess the ability to perform in an environment of changing workloads and priorities 
• Preferred degree tract or degree in Environmental Science, Resource Management, Parks and Recreation, or related field. 
• Preferred experience with invasive species control such as pulling, mowing, cutting, or spraying. 
• Preferred experience in conducting restoration utilizing native species 
• Preferred first aid/CPR certifications or at minimum willingness to assist in response to  
  medical emergencies. 
• Preferred proficiency in the operation of hand and power tools, mowers, string trimmers, hand saws, and 4X4 trucks and tractors 
• A willingness to perform Best Management Practices (BMP) related to invasive species control and become certified as a PA pesticide Technician.   
• Basic knowledge of Northeast flora and fauna is a plus 
• Experience in media collection is a plus 
• Experience with GPS/GIS is a plus 

Conservation Field Skills Acquired through this position: 

• Central Appalachian Native and Invasive plant identification 
• BMP in plant management with a focus in invasive species control 
• Certification as a PA Pesticide Technician 
• Rigging and Mechanical advantage 
• Risk tree and Blowdown Removal  
• Wildland Travel and Navigation 
• Firearm Safety and Handling 
• American Kestrel Nestbox Ecology and Management 
• Broad-winged Hawk Nesting Ecology 
• Introduction to Songbird Banding Utilizing Mist Nets 
• Forest Resource Overview, Now and for the Future 
• Basic woodshop Tool Use for assigned projects 
• CPR and First Aid Certification