POSITION OVERVIEW

Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) & Trout Unlimited (TU)
Location: Hancock, NY
Term: June 1 – August 21 (12 weeks)
Schedule: 4 days/week, 10 hours/day
Positions: 5 total (Hired by FUDR)
Hourly Rate: $19
Application Review begins March 4th

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a national conservation organization with more than 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. TU’s staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists work from more than 45 offices across the country to advance our mission: to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.

ABOUT FRIENDS OF THE UPPER DELAWARE RIVER

Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Upper Delaware River watershed. FUDR advances river stewardship through science-based monitoring, habitat restoration, education, and community partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

Friends of the Upper Delaware River and Trout Unlimited are seeking motivated, energetic individuals to join a summer field crew supporting aquatic resource conservation in the Upper Delaware River watershed. This position will assist activities in support of native trout and aquatic resource conservation. 

A total of five seasonal entry-level positions will be filled. Crew members will be supervised jointly under both TU and FUDR. FUDR will manage payroll, benefits, and employment paperwork.

This is a full-time, seasonal position (12 weeks) running from June 1 through August 21, with a schedule of four 10-hour days per week. These are typically but not always Monday through Thursday. The position is physically demanding and requires working in remote locations, on rural roads with limited cell service, over difficult terrain, and in variable weather conditions while carrying field gear up to 50 pounds.

The crew will be based in Hancock, New York and will work exclusively within the Upper Delaware River watershed. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with watershed monitoring and data collection, including:

• Stream geomorphology

• Water temperature monitoring

• Macroinvertebrate sampling

• Habitat assessments

• Fish population surveys

• Assist with restoration project implementation and site preparation.

• Assist with culvert and aquatic connectivity assessments using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol.

• Collect high-quality field data and adhere strictly to established protocols; report concerns or deviations to supervisors.

• Wade streams and rivers under a range of flow and adverse weather conditions.

• Maintain field equipment and communicate maintenance or supply needs.

• Support additional watershed program activities as needed, including volunteer events, tree planting, landowner outreach, community meetings, and education/outreach efforts.

• Represent FUDR and TU professionally and maintain a high level of integrity at all times.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•  Interact with landowners to share information and educate them about local conservation.

• Assist with culvert assessments using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol.

• Assist with watershed monitoring activities and data collection including stream geomorphology, water temperature, macroinvertebrates, habitat, and fish population assessments.

• Maintain rigorous data collection and adherence to assessment protocols; identify and report any concerns to the supervisor.

• Wade streams and rivers in a variety of flow regimes and weather conditions.

• Maintain equipment and report maintenance/equipment needs to the supervisor.

• Maintain a high level of integrity while on the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess strong communication skills.

• Experience communicating with various audiences.

• Past leadership roles in jobs, clubs, or groups.

• Experience implementing fish/wildlife assessment protocols.

• Experience managing data and field equipment.

• Own personal vehicle that can be used for extensive work travel. FUDR offers mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle usage throughout the duration of the workday; a valid driver’s license and the ability to pass background checks for employment.

• A desire to learn about stream ecology and watershed science.

• Ability to quickly acquire skills and learn new techniques.

• Willingness to work long days in outdoor field conditions.

• Demonstrable experience with physically demanding work.

• Patience to deal with bugs, snakes, mud, rain, cold, and hot weather.

• Ability to work cooperatively in a team with varied skills, abilities, and perspectives.

• Ability to think creatively, keep an open mind, and take constructive criticism.

*We recognize that interested candidates may meet some but not all of the preferred qualifications. We encourage those who meet the required qualifications to apply, especially if the candidate is passionate about the position and willing to learn.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $19 per hour

• Housing is available

• Applicants must be willing to relocate to Hancock, NY or live within commuting distance.

• Work-related mileage will be reimbursed. Travel between home and the Hancock base is not eligible for reimbursement.

LEAVE POLICY

Crew members may use up to two (2) unpaid personal days during the 12-week program. Sick leave is provided in accordance with New York State law. Leave policies follow the guidelines of the hiring organization.

HOW TO APPLY

Click application link below to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Review of applications will begin on March 4th

FUDR is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive conservation workforce.