Biological Field Technician
Company: Natural Areas Conservancy, Inc.
Location: New York City
Posted on: January 22, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW Through
its visionary leadership and high impact staff, the Natural Areas
Conservancy champions urban natural areas in New York City and
across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and
advocacy. Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the
first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s
natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we
have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of
representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research,
information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field
of urban forest management. We want all people to feel welcomed,
inspired by, and connected to the natural world. PROJECT OVERVIEW
From 2013-2014 the Natural Areas Conservancy and NYC Parks
conducted the first comprehensive ecological assessment of natural
area parkland in NYC’s history. During this effort, 10,000 acres of
freshwater wetlands, saltmarshes, and forests were assessed using
methods suited for the distribution, characteristics, and known
threats for each ecosystem type. The results from this project have
been critical to citywide adaptive management efforts and have been
used extensively to advocate for funding and protections for these
valuable urban natural spaces. This data is now a decade old and
rapidly losing relevance as our natural areas change due to
pressure from climate change, extreme weather events, encroachment,
and anthropogenic disturbance. Beginning in 2024 a follow-up
ecological assessment will commence, including field assessments of
the same three ecosystem types. This project will be conducted in
close partnership between the Natural Areas Conservancy and NYC
Parks. This job posting is for team members for the forest
assessment. POSITION OVERVIEW The Biological Field Technician will
report to the Supervising Field Biologist. The Biological Field
Technician will work as part of a team responsible for collecting
data in forest ecosystems across all five boroughs of NYC. This
position is almost entirely field-based, with office days
interspersed for inclement weather, data entry, and other tasks as
needed. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Collecting detailed, accurate
ecological data on freshwater wetland conditions in adherence with
the ecological assessment data collection protocol Communicating
effectively with their supervisor and team members to resolve any
personnel or field issues in a timely manner Navigating to data
collection locations using a Trimble R2 receiver & ArcGIS Field
Maps Working long hours in variable weather conditions on difficult
terrain Recording data on paper datasheets and conducting data
entry Operating NYC Parks vehicles in a safe and lawful manner
Participating in other assessment-related tasks as directed
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS A Bachelor's degree or higher with a
major study in environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, wildlife
biology, botany, natural resources or related biological sciences A
motor vehicle driver’s license valid in New York state Experience
in plant identification, with a working knowledge of the flora of
the northeastern U.S. Ability to follow rigorous sampling protocols
A positive attitude with enthusiasm for working outside and as part
of a team At least one field season of experience collecting
botanical data for scientific research Ability to hike to data
collection locations while carrying field equipment weighing up to
30lbs PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS Experience collecting,
analyzing and interpreting data related to freshwater ecosystems,
such as vegetation communities, water quality and hydrology
Experience working with ArcGIS to conduct geospatial analysis and
mapping Experience with GPS units and navigation Familiarity with
New York City natural areas JOB LOCATION Reporting location in New
York City. Exact location TBD but will be accessible by public
transportation. TERM This is a seasonal position running from May
18, 2026 - August 14, 2026 COMPENSATION Compensation is $28.21/hour
for 35 hours/week. APPLICATION Applications will be reviewed on a
rolling basis until the closing date of February 6, 2026. Please
address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org.
Keywords: Natural Areas Conservancy, Inc., Hartford , Biological Field Technician, Science, Research & Development , New York City, Connecticut
