The Nature Conservancy of New Jersey has identified the Paulins Kill watershed (a tributary of the Delaware River) as a priority area for habitat restoration and water quality improvement. A critical component of this strategy is the restoration of floodplain forests identified within strategic segments of this watershed. Building on prior successes elsewhere in the watershed we will be planting and restoring multiple contiguous miles of floodplain forest throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. To accomplish this goal, we are hiring 2 seasonal Freshwater Restoration Assistants to implement this project. These positions will help with additional freshwater-related projects involving water quality monitoring and macroinvertebrate surveys. These positions will be based at the New Jersey Field Office, located in Chester, New Jersey. This is a 3 month, paid position for 35 hours/week at $18 per hour. Position starts April 1st, 2019.
The Freshwater Restoration Assistant participates in the implementation of a variety of restoration, assessment and monitoring projects throughout the Paulins Kill watershed. This may include one or more of the following functions:
- Assists with on-site implementation of projects including: tree planting, operating hand tools and augers, removing exotic species, maintenance activities, and planting native species in priority floodplain area
- Assists with other freshwater tasks including tree and shrub survival monitoring, stream monitoring, site maintenance and other to be determined projects.
- Conducts standardized scientific surveys including the collection of water and stream benthic macroinvertebrate samples, and conducts standardized visual surveys to assess the physical condition of stream reaches
- Communicates regularly with supervisor and conservation staff regarding site information and project progress
- Maintains all necessary tools and equipment
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Interacts well with the general public and volunteers.
- May work under close or infrequent supervision.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations for long periods of time in isolated settings, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Requires considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain.
- Experience operating various types of equipment.
- Experience performing physical work.
- Valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; pick-up truck/trailers, power tools, etc.)
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues
- Willingness to work a flexible schedule including occasional weekends
- Ability to perform physical work, sometime under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Demonstrated organizational skills
- Experience with tree planting and restoration activities
- Working knowledge of local flora and fauna with knowledge of invasive species preferred
- Experience collecting biological and water quality samples
- Knowledgeable and passionate about fresh water ecology