WNY PRISM Survey Technician
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, engaging the public in management actions, 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 Survey Technicians (2) will work closely with the WNY PRISM Terrestrial Program Manager, Field Operations Manager and partners to implement invasive species early detection and rapid response efforts and additional priority projects within the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The selected candidates will conduct priority invasive species surveys and assessments, implement invasive species removal projects, work alongside volunteers during invasive species removal workdays, and assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets or assisting with remote events or webinars. The Survey Technicians will use established survey protocols to describe populations of priority invasive species and implement management projects. 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, often independently and in remote locations, and will experience inclement weather conditions. The Survey Technicians will use tablets and GPS units to keep accurate, detailed, neat and complete field notes, and review data in the office using Excel, Access, ArcGIS and iMapInvasives. 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
- Use established survey protocols to independently conduct invasive species surveys and assessments using field data collection tools and iMapInvasives mapping tools.
- Identify plant species using knowledge of invasive species, field guides and technical keys.
- Collect and maintain data for all survey and management activities using field data collection tools (GPS, tablets, etc.).
- Use the Early Detection Database to schedule and execute early detection survey, monitoring and removal efforts.
- Enter and organize data in the Early Detection Database and ensure data is neat, complete and accurate for reporting purposes.
- Operate and maintain stewardship equipment and tools and report issues to Program Managers.
- Represent WNY PRISM at community and/or virtual events including farmers’ markets, webinars, etc.
- Communicate with WNY PRISM partners.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred).
- Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
- Strong invasive species and plant identification skills.
- Experience with invasive species surveys and removal methods.
- Experience with detailed data collection and organization.
- Ability to work outdoors in remote locations for long hours in variable weather.
- Ability to work kneeling or standing for significant periods of time.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, Access).
- Working knowledge of GIS.
- Self-motivated, work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience working in a professional capacity.
- Current US driver’s license and use of personal vehicle for travel to field sites.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
- Ability to stand, bend, squat and walk for extended periods of time.
- 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 $0.625 per mile.
Job Details
This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $17.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 8, 2023 – September 22, 2023 (~20 weeks). Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required.
The deadline for applications is May 18, 2023. 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 Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager, hernonba@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.