EAB/HWA Intern
Location: Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District
6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
Liverpool, NY 13088
General Statement of Duties:
Provide support for the Onondaga County Ash Tree Management Strategy and the hemlock woolly adelgid program administered by the Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District (OCSWCD). The assistant will perform a variety of duties but will primarily be assisting with the planning, design, and implementation of the emerald ash borer (EAB) and hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) programs.
Typical Work Activities:
- Assisting with pesticide application including but not limited to tree injections for EAB treatment and basal bark spray for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) treatment
- Marking ash trees for removal in County Parks and County Road right-of-ways
- Maintaining Park trees including watering, stake removal, pruning, diagnostics
- Assisting with tree risk assessments
- Planting a variety of species and sized trees from seedlings to 2” caliper size trees
- Planting live stake stock in and around wetlands and streams
- Utilize computer programs/apps such as ArcPro, ArcMap, Survey123, Google Earth, OnX
- Utilize various handheld GPS units, tablets, and survey equipment
- Maintain daily field journal with required information
- Assist in preparation of bidding and contract documents including maps and tree locations
- Assist in maintaining records and preparing reports
- May assist with the planning, design, and implementation of agricultural best management practices (BMPs)
- May assist with stream surveys and culvert assessments
- May assist with hydroseeding
- May assist with water chestnut hand pulling
- Attend NYS 4-hour erosion and sedimentation course
- Perform other duties as assigned
Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics:
- Ability to perform daily work assignments safely including operating UTVs, trucks, trailers, etc.
- Ability to work alone and within a team
- Working knowledge of the principals of forest ecosystems and arboriculture
- Ability to read and interpret maps and aerial photos
- Good interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to perform basic mechanical tasks such as using hammers, wrenches, cordless drills
- Working knowledge of basic field measurements
- Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively
- Basic knowledge of ArcPro utilization
- Ability to utilize MS office software efficiently and effectively
- Boater’s safety course a plus
Minimum Qualifications:
- Must be able to properly identify and measure common tree species in Central New York.
- Must pass a pre-employment physical, lift and carry 50 pounds, walk 6 miles per day in rough terrain, and work in all weather conditions.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and throughout employment with 3 years of driving experience as a licensed driver.
- Preference to candidates with a NYS DEC Pesticide Technician or Applicators License in category 3A or the ability to obtain one by June 1st, 2025. License to be obtained on your own.
Availability and Salary:
This position will be from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-Friday, up to 40 hours a week. Work schedule may be flexible. Pay schedule is bi-weekly. This is a 4-6 month position depending on workload and candidate’s schedule. Candidates may start as soon as May 19, 2025.
Hourly rate commensurate with experience. Typical pay is $18/hr. $1/hr salary increase upon obtaining NYS DEC Pesticide Technician or Applicator License in category 3a.
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to:
Personnel Committee – EAB/HWA Assistant
Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District
6680 Onondaga Lake Parkway
Liverpool, NY 13088
All materials must be received to the District office by 1:00 p.m. on March 5th, 2025 via email, mail, or dropped off. Please visit www.ocswcd.org for additional information about the District and its programs.