Hudson Valley Corps - Karner Blue Butterfly Steward

Position Summary 

Karner Blue Butterfly Steward

 

Aid in habitat restoration and management for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in the Saratoga-Capital Region of NYS Parks.

 

The position involves work at two Parks: At Saratoga Spa State Park, the SCA member will work as a site steward, leading on-the-ground conservation and outreach and assisting with habitat restoration projects at a Karner blue butterfly site. At Big Bend Preserve (Moreau Lake State Park) the SCA member will work directly with their supervisor, other staff, and volunteers to assist with restoration projects including invasive species management, vegetation and wildlife surveys, and support of prescribed fire operations. The extremely tenuous nature of the Karner blue population (in general but particularly at Saratoga Spa State Park) along with the unique local conditions combine to create a site that warrants very close attention.

 

The partnership with AmeriCorps members helps provide the on-site presence needed to allow for a greater level of management for a species in desperate need, including other rare species like frosted elfin butterflies. And with large scale restoration getting underway at Moreau, assisting conservation there will help NYS Parks establish a viable metapopulation that is key to securing the long-term viability of Karner blues in New York. Through habitat restoration and education programming, AmeriCorps members will be directly addressing both the Environmental Stewardship and Education Focus Areas of the Serve America Act.

 

This position furthers NYS Parks’ mission to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.

 

Location 

Saratoga Springs, NY

 

Schedule 

March 2, 2026 - October 16, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

At Saratoga Spa State Park: monitor populations of Karner blues, frosted elfins, and other rare species: monitor/manage habitat and host plant quality; assist with habitat restoration projects; provide outreach to area visitors; and improve compliance with protective measures.

 

Goals in mind for the candidate are:

Goal 1: Complete and document monitoring for spring and summer butterfly broods;

 

Goal 2: Conduct habitat monitoring in butterfly management areas;

 

Goal 3: Assist with habitat restoration and management projects, including invasive species control, native plant restoration, and vegetation and wildlife surveys;

 

Goal 4: Provide positive interpretive interactions with the public, including working with Park and patrons to provide information on restoration activities and improve compliance with area regulations.

 

Marginal Duties 

 At Moreau Lake State Park: under direct supervision of the Restoration Ecologist, assist with various restoration projects, vegetation monitoring, wildlife surveys, and working with volunteers.

 

Required Qualifications 

Must be able (and happy) to work outside, often in hot and sunny conditions, and have a willingness to learn various restoration techniques using hand tools and other equipment.

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Preferred = GIS, GPS, Field survey experience with vegetation and insect monitoring

 

Preferred = Entomology, Botany, Natural Resource Management

 

Preferred = A willingness to become a Pesticide Apprentice to assist with invasive species control; a willingness to assist with prescribed fire operations (this could be through Wildlands Fire Training and active participation, or could be assistance with site preparation and post-fire monitoring, or both); public speaking; education/outreach

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Housing Provided

 

Compensation  

• Amount of the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award being offered for successful completion of the member’s term of service: $5,176.50
• Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week 

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

 

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

 

Additional Benefits 

• AmeriCorps and SCA Training
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR