Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager, Buffalo New York
Full Time Position
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. 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. WNY PRISM runs many programs that support our core functions: Partner/Network Coordination, Information Management, Education and Outreach, Prevention, Early Detection and Rapid Response, Management and Habitat Restoration. WNY PRISM is currently seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager to coordinate a regional Watercraft Inspection Boat Stewardship Program and to assist in the expansion of additional aquatic invasive species programming. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
Funding for WNY PRISM is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. WNY PRISM is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for Buffalo State and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center.
Position Description
The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager will coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program (WISP). The watercraft inspection program includes 20 sites located across the 8-county WNY PRISM region. Each launch is expected to be staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the watercraft inspection program including program development, site management, hiring and supervision of Boat Stewards, reporting, partner communication and communication of program accomplishments. The expectation is that the further development and coordination of the watercraft inspection program will be the primary focus of the Program Manager, with the majority of their time dedicated to this program. In addition to WISP, the Program Manager will facilitate the Southern Tier Water Chestnut Working Group, coordinate an annual aquatic invasive species workshop, represent WNY PRISM within collaborative Hydrilla efforts, lead WNY PRISM aquatic invasive species early detection efforts and assist with additional education and outreach efforts. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Boat Stewardship Program
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Identify boat launch sites and obtain all necessary permissions to host boat stewards
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Work with partners to ensure effective and appropriate regional boat launch coverage
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Recruit, retain and supervise qualified watercraft stewards (20-25)
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Hold 2-day training for boat stewards and provide continued learning opportunities
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Provide quality assurance for all data collected and conduct Boat Steward field assessments
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Provide regional support for use of WISPA (Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program Application) and represent WNY PRISM as part of Advisory Group
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Purchase, manage and maintain supplies and equipment necessary to run the program
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Complete all reporting requirements to include data analysis and annual reports
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Present on program and accomplishments at various meetings and conferences
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Conduct adaptive management assessment on program and implement improvements
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Provide annual Aquatic Invasive Species Training Program for WNY PRISM region
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Develop, update, and/or locate appropriate AIS education and outreach materials
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Represent WNY PRISM as part of various working groups and at organizational planning meetings
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Lead additional WNY PRISM AIS program development to include all aspects of invasive species management
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Identify regional AIS needs and further identify or develop means of addressing identified needs
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Work and communicate with WNY PRISM Terrestrial and Education Program Managers on shared projects
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AIS issues and management information
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Represent WNY PRISM at public meetings, conferences and community events
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Maintain regular communication with WNY PRISM Coordinator including bi-weekly meetings
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Provide monthly program updates/reports to WNY PRISM Coordinator
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Maintain detailed and organized records
Additional Responsibilities:
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Assist with WNY PRISM education and outreach efforts including contributing content to the Spring and Fall e-Newsletters, website, and social media, and assisting with community events and trainings
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Assist WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Crew and partners with invasive species removal efforts
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Assist with WNY PRISM administrative duties and general office operations
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Assist with WNY PRISM grant and contract reporting requirements
Qualifications:
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Undergraduate Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar)
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A minimum 3-years related professional experience required
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Familiarity with Watercraft Inspection programs
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Demonstrated success with program development and coordination
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Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising staff
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Strong knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management, specifically aquatic invasive species (all taxa)
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Experience working with electronic data collection tools and programs, such as WISPA
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Demonstrated experience with grant management
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Demonstrated strong writing and communication skills
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Ability to present scientific information to a wide variety of audiences
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Experience developing outreach materials
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Evidence of good time management skills and organization
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Ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative setting
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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
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Professional experience with ArcGIS technology and programs
Job Related Physical Requirements:
- Position requires the ability to work outdoors and navigate rugged terrain in remote locations, the ability to work in inclement weather, and the ability to lift 40lbs on a regular basis.
Travel Requirements:
- Valid Driver’s License required
- Weekend, evening and occasional overnight travel will be required
- Use of personal vehicle will be required
Job Details
This is a full-time, permanent position with current funding expected to continue through December 31, 2023. Position is based out of the WNY PRISM Office in Buffalo, NY. Desired start date is April 20, 2020, or as soon as possible. Weekend hours will be required. Some evening and overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will be required. Employee will be reimbursed for work related travel when using personal vehicle at the federally approved rate which is currently ($0.575/mile).
This opportunity includes an excellent benefit package and is grant-supported by the SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Deadline for submission of cover letter and resume (only one document upload allowed): March 29, 2020
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.