[PCA] JOB: Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Steward (Ithaca, NY)

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Contact Name-Alisa Gardner

Natural Areas Steward, Cornell Plantations

Within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Plantations is
the arboretum, botanical garden, and natural areas of Cornell University.
Our mission is to preserve and enhance diverse horticultural collections
and natural areas for the enrichment and education of the academic
community and the general public, and in support of scientific research.

Plantations' Natural Areas Program is the steward of 4000 acres of
biologically diverse ecosystems in central New York. Our holdings are among
the five largest systems of natural areas associated with public gardens in
North America. To support research and teaching at Cornell and beyond,
Plantations manages a diverse group of preserves that represent the full
range of ecological habitats found in the Finger Lakes region.

We are seeking a Natural Areas Steward who will, under the direction of the
Natural Areas Director, assist in the oversight of all aspects of the site
management, restoration, and protection of Plantations on- and off-campus
natural areas in support of Plantations' mission. As a member of the
stewardship crew, assist in determining management needs, make
recommendations, develop work plans and schedules, and coordinate and
execute stewardship activities and special projects. Implement programs for
site monitoring, invasive species control, and nuisance wildlife
abatements. Use accepted Natural Areas management techniques to promote the
desired conditions particular to each ecological community or native
species. Collect natural resource information, and use GIS/GPS to monitor
sites, species, or other conditions. Participate in Plantations programs to
protect rare and scarce native plants in Natural Areas, propagate native
plants of local genotypes, and restore them to protected habitats. Evaluate
trail conditions, report hazards, conduct trail maintenance, and respond to
emergency alerts from users. Provide general support and technical
expertise for preserve educational uses and participate in Plantations'
educational programs. Work with interns, volunteers, student workers, and
other Plantations staff as a member of the natural areas stewardship crew.
Ensure that work is conducted in a safe manner. Substantial manual labor is
involved requiring physical fitness, awareness of safety issues, and proper
use of pesticides. This position is full-time (39 hours) for eight months,
and part-time (20 hours) for four months.

Required Qualifications:

* Associates degree in natural resources, conservation or related
field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 1-3 years of
relevant experience required.

* Possess and maintain a valid NYS Certified Pesticide Applicator's
license or obtain within one year of appointment.

* Possess and maintain appropriate certifications to participate in
prescribed burn management program, or obtain certification within one year
of appointment.

* Knowledge of and skill with GIS/GPS equipment, and good computer
skills.

* Be able to work in a team environment as well as independently to
accomplish required tasks and achieve departmental objectives.

* Be personable and flexible, possess excellent organizational and
communication skills, and take pride in work.

* Be able to develop effective working relationships with a variety
of people.

* Be aware of Natural Areas concerns, conservation methods and
protocols, and be sensitive to Natural Areas preservation and wildlife
control issues.

* Know plant nomenclature and be able to identify a wide range of
native and naturalized herbaceous and woody plants. Know natural ecological
communities and native plants associated with community types.

* Know invasive plant species issues, and be able to implement
treatments for control. Must be willing to work with pesticides and
chemicals.

* Have experience in the safe operation and use of equipment such
as front deck mower, flail and hand mower, tractor, brush hog, string
trimmer and chainsaw.

* Possess and maintain NYS driver's license.

* Be physically capable of performing the functions associated with
this position, and willing to work under varying climatic conditions (heat,
cold, precipitation, etc.).

* Be able to report to work outside of the regularly scheduled
shift to address Plantations' time-sensitive operational and/or
snow-removal needs, to assist with departmental emergencies, or to deal
with issues of public safety.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in natural resources, conservation or related field
strongly preferred.

Background check may be required. No relocation assistance is provided for
this position.

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an inclusive, dynamic,
and innovative Ivy League university and New York's land-grant institution.
Its staff, faculty, and students impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose
and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further the
university's mission of teaching, research, and outreach.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and
employer.

To apply, visit http://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/. Go to EXTERNAL APPLICANTS,
BARGAINING UNIT POSITIONS, JOB # 16183.

Contact Name-Alisa Gardner
Number of Openings-1
Minimum Hire Rate-$16.92
University Job Title-Gardener SO08