Hudson Valley Corps - Land Stewardship & Research Assistant bei The Student Conservation Association

Position Summary 

The community heavily uses the Preserve at Vassar for recreation. There are 7 miles of trail that need maintenance and improvement to allow for the community to enjoy this resource. The Preserve is one of the few natural open spaces in the City of Poughkeepsie. It provides access to nature that fills an urgent need of this urban/suburban community. Part of the preserve’s mission is to improve he community’s understanding of the natural world. The outreach and volunteer opportunities that our program provides engages students and community members in experiential learning about the natural world. The stewardship and restoration of the Preserve ensures that the land continues to provide valuable ecosystem services to the community. The preserve helps improve water and air quality and while providing valuable habitat to wildlife and pollinators.

Location 

Poughkeepsie, NY

Schedule 

January 26, 2026 - November 23, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

The Land Steward and Research Assistant will work closely with the Preserve Director to protect the Vassar Preserve and promote its use as an educational resource. They take a leadership role in coordinating teams of Vassar student interns who work on stewardship, monitoring, and restoration. They assist with biological monitoring that informs land management decisions and helps to assess the health of conservation targets. Current projects include monitoring invasive species, restoration projects, deer impacts, and ecological community mapping. They assist with the maintenance of the preserve and ongoing restoration projects. The member works to increase the educational usage of the preserve by developing and implementing educational project(s) and engaging volunteers. They maintain and improve the existing network of trails. They will interact with users of the preserve to answer questions, host educational events, and organize volunteer efforts. Goal 1: The member will assist with data collection and management of existing and new monitoring and research projects. Goal 2: The member will maintain trails and improve conditions on the preserve. Goal 3: The member will work to engage students in the monitoring, management, and restoration of the Preserve. They will support outreach initiatives and lead volunteer projects.

Marginal Duties 

Participate in all SCA Corps-wide trainings and service projects, as well as project evaluation and reporting

Required Qualifications 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong plant and animal identification skills, GIS and GPS skills, the ability to follow experimental protocols, and be able to maintain databases.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Familiar with using hand and power tools.
• The member must have knowledge and excitement to learn about the natural world.
• They should be familiar with environmental monitoring techniques, ecological restoration, and land stewardship
• BS/BA in Ecology, Biology, Botany, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resources Management or a related field
• Valid Drivers License for 3+ years and a clean driving record

Preferred Qualifications 

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Member will be responsible for finding their own housing within commuting distance to Poughkeepsie, 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

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

• Healthcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for free health insurance
• Childcare coverage (if applicable): Eligible for childcare assistance through AmeriCorps
• Student loan forbearance and interest payments, (if the member qualifies): Eligible for Federal Student Loan forbearance and interest payment deferment through AmeriCorps for qualifying student loans.
• AmeriCorps and SCA Training
• SCA Risk Management
• Sexual Harassment/Drug Abuse in the Workplace
• Mental Health First Aid Training
• Wilderness First Aid & CPR
• Project WILD/Aquatic Curriculum
• Environmental Leadership Institute
• New York State Outdoor Educator Association Conferences/Events
• Hudson River Ecology
• Leave No Trace Trainer Course
• Professional Development & Job Readiness

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.