Hudson Valley Corps - Hudson River Estuary Research Member

Position Summary 

The Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR) implements the System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP), which includes environmental monitoring of Hudson River Estuary habitats. This program collects information on water quality, nutrients, weather, and ecology. The Program provides the community with real-time data pertaining to water quality, nutrients, meteorological conditions, and vegetation in the Hudson River Estuary.

 

Location 

Staatsburg, NY

 

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist in the monthly collection of water samples from multiple sites throughout the Hudson River Estuary. Includes the use of hand-held meters, recording of data on field sheets, and practice of standard protocols Assist in the in-house processing and analyses of water samples for multiple parameters. May include assistance in the preparation of chemical reagents and standards. Assist in the monthly maintenance of weather stations along the Hudson River. Includes maintenance and general troubleshooting of sensors and instrumentation, data retrieval, and use of hand-held meters. Support the calibration, deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water quality monitoring instrumentation. Includes monthly swapping and deployment of instruments at multiple sites throughout the Hudson River Estuary. Assist in monthly sampling preparation, including proper labeling of sample bottles and cuvettes, cleaning, and storage of sampling equipment, weighing of filters, and other ancillary tasks. Goal 1: Assist the Research sector in conducting long-term monitoring of estuarine habitats throughout the tidal Hudson River. Goal 2: Develop a robust foundation of real-world skills, including familiarity with water quality and weather monitoring instrumentation, sampling techniques, and environmental monitoring methods. Goal 3: Participation in at least one education, outreach, or relevant program to represent Research program projects and work.

 

Marginal Duties 

Assist in digitizing field data sheets and entering data into Microsoft Access, Excel, and online databases. Assist, as needed, in the maintenance, organization, and upkeep of the working laboratory space Provide additional assistance, as needed, to other programs within the Research Reserve including Habitat Research and Education teams (e.g., marsh monitoring, public canoe trip programs, and the Institute Discovering Environmental Scientists (TIDES)) Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects. Completion of AmeriCorps reporting requirements including bi-weekly timesheets, monthly reports, pre/post-tests for any education provided, evaluations at the beginning, mid-point, and end of term.

 

Required Qualifications 

• Member must be comfortable working in and around water
• Member must be comfortable working outdoors year-round, in all weather conditions
• Ability to carefully follow rigorous sampling procedures
• Ability to follow laboratory and field safety protocol, including chemical hygiene and safety requirements
• Willingness to operate a truck - Ability to work in dense vegetation, wetlands, and mucky environments
• Familiarity with and interest in the Hudson River
• Ability or willingness to learn how to paddle a canoe and/or kayak
• Member will be required to complete mandatory NYSDEC trainings
• Member will be required to complete NYS Boater Safety training

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Member must be comfortable lifting 30 – 50 lbs.
• Knowledge of biological, chemical, and physical water quality indicators
• Understanding of estuarine habitats and ecology
• Familiarity with water quality sampling and analytical procedures
• Ability or willingness to learn how to paddle a canoe and/or kayak
• Relevant training opportunities that arise within the Hudson Valley and HRNERR
• Member will be trained to drive a truck with a trailer and off-road UTV

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Member will be responsible for finding their own housing within commuting distance to the position.

 

Compensation  

• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service in 2025: $7,395.00; 2026 TBD
• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
• $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC

All allowances a