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About WNY PRISM
The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) is one of eight regional partnerships within New York State created to address the threat of invasive species and prevent or minimize the harm they cause to the environment, economy, and human health. This is accomplished through use of a coordinated partnership network for which we provide leadership, technical assistance and collaboration opportunities. Our goal is to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout the 8-county region. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
WNY PRISM is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center. Funding for WNY PRISM is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Position Description
The WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Assistants (3) will work closely with the WNY PRISM Terrestrial Projects Manager and partners to implement invasive species prevention, early detection, management, and habitat restoration projects within the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The selected candidates will conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with priority invasive species removal and restoration projects, provide project reports and may assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets or assisting with remote events or webinars. Invasive species removal efforts will include use of both manual and chemical (herbicide) methods. This is primarily a field position and the selected candidates can expect to spend the majority of their time working outdoors in remote locations and will experience inclement weather conditions. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.
WNY PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience within all aspects of invasive species management. Individuals will meet and work with local environmental professionals and increase their skills and knowledge of invasive species ecology, invasive species management practices, data collection, project assessment, partnership coordination and public outreach.
Primary Responsibilities
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Assist with regional invasive species removal efforts including use of manual and chemical (herbicide) methods.
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Collect and maintain data for all management activities using field data collection tools (GPS, tablets, etc.).
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Conduct invasive species surveys and assessments using field data collection tools and iMapInvasives online mapping tool.
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Assist with habitat restoration efforts such as native plantings and seed collection.
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Operate and maintain stewardship equipment and tools.
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Provide detailed written reports on survey and management efforts.
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Represent WNY PRISM at community and/or virtual events including farmers’ markets, webinars, etc.
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Assist with outreach content for WNY PRISM website including news/blog articles and resource updates.
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Communicate with WNY PRISM partners.
Qualifications
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Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred).
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Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
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Strong interest in invasive species management and ecology.
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Experience with invasive species removal methods.
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Invasive species and plant identification skills.
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Experience with field and/or vegetation surveys.
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Experience with detailed data collection and organization.
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Experience using and maintaining stewardship equipment including hand tools, herbicide applicators, brushcutters, etc.
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Ability to work outdoors in sometimes difficult conditions.
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
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Working knowledge of GIS.
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Work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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Experience working in a professional capacity.
Physical Requirements
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Ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
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Ability to stand, bend, squat and walk for extended periods of time.
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Ability to work in varying weather conditions – this is an outdoor position.
Travel Requirements
Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required. Use of personal vehicle will be required. When using a personal vehicle, employees will be reimbursed for approved work-related travel at the current rate of $0.575 per mile.
Job Details
This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $14.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 10, 2021 - September 24, 2021 (20 weeks). Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 5, 2021. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume and 3 professional references as a single attachment. Questions can be directed to Andrea Locke, Coordinator, lockeas@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls please.
This opportunity is grant-supported by the SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Research Foundation (RF) is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the RF are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system and do not receive state fringe benefits. The RF operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
