Individual Placement - Natural Resource Assistant

Position Summary 

This position will help to monitor, conserve, restore, and rehabilitate natural systems, and increase the public understanding of the Hudson Valley’s natural history. Scenic Hudson is a regional Hudson Valley land trust and environmental organization that operates throughout 11 counties in New York, from Albany to New York City. We have 25,000 members and welcome thousands of annual visitors to our parks and preserves each year. Our scientists and planners offer their expertise free of charge to dozens of communities.

 

Location 

Poughkeepsie, NY

 

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist Scenic Hudson’s Science and Stewardship Team with the stewardship of various parks and preserves throughout the Hudson Valley. The Natural Resources Assistant will help implement natural resource management projects such as habitat restoration, ecological monitoring/assessments, and data management. Additional work includes interaction with park visitors on a regular basis, communicating park rules, introducing and explaining park projects, and assisting staff with other duties as assigned. This work will include frequent and regular visitation to Scenic Hudson parks. Use of personal vehicle is necessary and weekend work will be required on occasion. -Assist Scenic Hudson’s Natural Resource Manager with the stewardship of Scenic Hudson lands through habitat restoration (i.e. tree plantings and invasive plant control), ecological inventories and monitoring (including forestry and botanical surveys), and other tasks relating to stewardship of natural resources. Duties also include documenting all work performed in the field and the management of natural resource databases and GIS data. Other responsibilities may include organizing and leading volunteer workdays and producing public outreach materials. The Natural Resources Assistant will collaborate with other Scenic Hudson interns to implement other work throughout Scenic Hudson parks and preserves. (80%) -Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting (10%) -Assist with events in Scenic Hudson parks, including non-natural resources volunteer workdays, education programs, and other recreational activities. (5%) -As needed, assist with park infrastructure projects such as trail building, replacing/creating trail improvements, and replacing/creating park structures. (5%) Goal 1: Successfully plan and lead at least one volunteer workday that contributes toward achieving one of Scenic Hudson’s property goals Goal 2: Create a portfolio of maps and written products that contribute toward Scenic Hudson natural resources program initiatives. Goal 3: Present the findings or progress towards goals of one of our various program initiatives, either to Scenic Hudson staff or to a larger regional group.

 

Marginal Duties 

Other duties as assigned

 

Required Qualifications 

Ability to perform physical work outdoors in semi-remote locations in varying weather conditions independently and as part of a group. Must be physically able to walk 4+ miles a day over varied terrain and to lift up to 50 lbs. Experience with pesticide application, or willingness to learn Associate’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, ecology, or related field. Valid driver's license and a clean driving record of 3+ years

 

 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience operating power and hand tools such as shovels, rakes, loppers, picks, cordless drills, brush-cutters and weed-whackers.
• Experience with identification of native and invasive plants preferred, with a focus on the Northeastern United States.
• Experience in public parks or natural resource fieldwork
• Enjoys working and interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds, and brings a positive attitude and a desire to enhance the natural world.
• Experience in ArcGIS software and GPS mapping

 

Hours 

40 per week

 

Living Accommodations 

Member will be responsible for finding their own housing within commuting distance to Poughkeepsie, NY and New Paltz, NY.

 

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 Amount TBD
• Amount of Living Allowance member will receive: $440/week
• $1,000/month housing allowance for positions outside of NYC