Job Description

With guidance from Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) and Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL-PRISM) staff, the Lead Giant Hogweed Technician coordinates and leads control and monitoring efforts for giant hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzianum) throughout the Finger Lakes region. The Lead Technician oversees day-to-day field operations, ensures compliance with safety and pesticide protocols, supports training and supervision of technicians, and serves as a primary point of contact in the field for partners and landowners. This position requires advanced field skills, strong leadership, and the ability to make informed decisions in dynamic field conditions. The role provides hands-on leadership experience in high-priority invasive species response and regional coordination.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate daily field operations for giant hogweed survey, manual and chemical control, and follow-up monitoring
• Ensure strict adherence to all safety protocols related to giant hogweed control
• Monitor field conditions and make real-time decisions to ensure safety and effectiveness
• Supervise, train, and mentor Giant Hogweed Technicians
• Review and ensure accuracy of field data
• Communicate daily work plans, site access needs, and treatment outcomes to supervisors
• Coordinate program logistics: scheduling, transportation, equipment, and supply tracking
• Support grant reporting and documentation requirements
• Represent FLI and FL-PRISM professionally during site visits, outreach events, and partner coordination

OTHER INFORMATION

This is a full-time, non-eligible position (April 1, 2026- August 31, 2026). The position is based out of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, in the heart of the Finger Lakes. The Finger Lakes PRISM is one of eight PRISMs supported via funding from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund as administered by NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Pay range is $21- $23 / hr

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in invasive plant management or vegetation control
• Experience leading field crews or coordinating field-based work
• Experience with manual and chemical control of invasive plants
• Willingness to apply pesticides and enforce safety and regulatory compliance
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions and challenging terrain
• Strong working knowledge of PPE requirements and field safety procedures
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate with staff, partners, and landowners
• Ability to make independent decisions and troubleshoot field challenges
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable motor vehicle record; reliable transportation required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience working specifically with giant hogweed or other high-risk invasive species
• New York State Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain)
• Familiarity with NYS DEC giant hogweed response protocols
• Experience using iMapInvasives, GIS, or other invasive species data management platforms
• Experience working with public-facing projects or landowner coordination

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.