Field Technician

Title: Field Technician (Up to 8 positions)

Supervisor: Michael Van Clef, Ph.D., Stewardship Director

Location: Hopewell Township, New Jersey

Date Prepared: January 15, 2026

Summary of Position:

The Field Technician will assist the Stewardship Director of Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space (FoHVOS). Primary activities include field work and project administration. Field work will primarily consist of performing control of invasive species along with rare species monitoring & stewardship, and ecological monitoring. Office activities will include data management, GIS mapping, assisting with report preparation, and preparation of species identification videos and fact sheets. Position includes intensive training and experiences that significantly build resumes for future work in conservation. Work conducted throughout New Jersey will offer experience in a wide range of habitats and working with many public landowners allows building of professional contacts.

Field Technicians will report to the FoHVOS office located at Strawberry Hill Mansion at the Ted Stiles Preserve at Baldpate Mountain, 32 Fiddlers Creek Road, Titusville, NJ 08560. Work will be conducted locally through our Stewardship Program and statewide with public and partners throughout the state through our New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team. Transportation will be available to access non-local project sites.

Duties:

1. The primary job function will be performing invasive species mapping and control activities on emerging and widespread species. Control activities will include frequent application of herbicides (training will be provided). Mechanical removal methods may also be utilized.
2. Create invasive species identification videos and fact sheets.
3. Ecological monitoring including assisting with measurements of forest and meadow habitats.
4. Maintain forest and meadow restoration projects, and native plant gardens.
5. Assist with rare species monitoring including multiple rare plants and animal species.
6. Assist with data management and report preparation.
7. Perform other tasks assigned by the Stewardship Director.

Entrance Requirements (Items 1-4 are preferred, but not required):

1. Enrollment in or completion of bachelor’s degree in ecology or related fields
2. Knowledge of invasive species identification and management
3. Knowledge of flora, fauna, and ecological communities of New Jersey
4. Knowledge of GPS/GIS and careful data collection and management
5. Valid Driver's License, Ability to operate truck and drive long distances is required.
6. Willingness to become a Certified Pesticide Operator under the supervision of the Stewardship Director and willingness to utilize herbicides regularly is required.
7. Ability to conduct physically strenuous field work in rugged terrain and various weather conditions is required.

Organization Description: Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space is an accredited non-profit land trust that is dedicated to preserving the Valley’s character by partnering with the community to preserve land, protect natural resources, and inspire a new generation of conservation. We administer the FoHVOS New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, which is a cooperative effort involving over 200 partner organizations, private landowners, and the public.

• Salary and Hours:
  • $20.00/hour with a 40-hour work week
  • Monday through Friday, approximately 8:00AM to 4:30PM.
• Position Terms:
  • 10 weeks (approximately 6/1/26 through 8/7/26 - 400 hours per position).
  • 20 weeks (approximately 6/1/26 through 10/16/26 - 800 hours per position)
• Housing is not provided but those with a 10-week position may investigate nearby housing opportunities through The College of New Jersey.
• Personal transportation is required.
• A commitment to the full term of the position is required.

Please send the following materials no later than Friday, March 6, 2026, but positions will be filled on a rolling basis and early application is suggested. Applications missing any of these items will not be considered.

1. Resume (maximum of two pages)

1. Cover letter addressing how your education/experience qualifies you to accomplish the job duties listed above.

Please indicate your interest in the 10-week and/or 20-week positions.

1. References - Provide three names, e-mails and/or phone numbers to:

Michael Van Clef, Ph.D.

Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space

P.O. Box 395

Pennington, New Jersey 08534

E-mail: mvanclef@fohvos.org

Phone: 609-730-1560

The Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space is an equal opportunity employer.

Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

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