WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Assistant
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 that were 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. The WNY PRISM Office was established in 2014 and has quickly become a regional leader in invasive species management. 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 using iMapInvasives, assist with priority invasive species removal and restoration projects, provide project reports, and assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets and festivals. Invasive species removal efforts will include use of both manual and chemical (herbicide) methods. In addition, Invasive Species Management Assistants may assist with development of WNY PRISM outreach materials, as needed. This is primarily a field position and the selected candidates can expect to spend the majority their time working outdoors in remote locations and will experience inclimate 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 learn and work within all aspects of invasive species management. Individuals will gain valuable experience and increase their skills and knowledge of invasive species ecology, invasive species management practices, data collection, management and 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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Conduct invasive species surveys and assessments using iMapInvasives online mapping tool
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Assist with habitat restoration efforts
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Assist with data collection for management activities
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Maintain detailed records for all management activities
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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 events including farmers’ markets and festivals
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Communicate with WNY PRISM Partners
Additional Responsibilities
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Write news/blog articles promoting invasive species management and WNY PRISM
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Assist with development of education and outreach materials
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Assist with updating resources as new information becomes available
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Assist with providing accurate information and recommendations to 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 eradication methods
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Strong invasive species and plant identification skills
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Experience with invasive species surveys
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Experience with detailed data collection and organization
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Experience using and maintaining stewardship tools including hand tools, herbicide applicators, and brushcutters
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Ability to work outdoors in sometimes difficult conditions
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Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (word, excel, power point, publisher)
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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
Ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
Travel Requirements
Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, will 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 $0.545 per mile.
Job Details
This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $14.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 1, 2019 – September 30, 2019 (~22 weeks). Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel will be required.
To Apply
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 8, 2019. 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. 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.