WNY PRISM Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager
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 (Program Manager) will coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program and lead efforts involving aquatic invasive species management and education throughout the eight county WNY PRISM region. The Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program (WISP) includes an average of 20 launch sites and each launch is expected to be staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of WISP including program development, site management, hiring, training and supervision of Boat Stewards, equipment, reporting, partner communication and communication of program accomplishments. The expectation is that the further development and coordination of WISP will be the primary focus of the Program Manager, with the majority of time dedicated to this program. In addition to WISP, the Program Manager will facilitate the WNY Water Chestnut Working Group, coordinate an annual aquatic invasive species workshop, lead WNY PRISM aquatic invasive species early detection efforts, coordinate survey and removal efforts, ensure accurate and necessary field data collection, represent WNY PRISM within collaborative Hydrilla efforts, and assist with additional education and outreach efforts. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
Job Functions/Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities
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Coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program
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Identify boat launch sites and obtain all necessary permissions to host boat stewards
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Ensure effective and appropriate regional boat launch coverage; maintain communication with partners
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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 meetings and conferences
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Conduct adaptive management assessment on program and implement improvements
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Lead additional WNY PRISM AIS program development to include all aspects of invasive species management
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Represent WNY PRISM as part of working groups (water chestnut, Hydrilla, starry stonewort) and at organizational planning meetings
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Represent WNY PRISM at public meetings, conferences and community events
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Coordinate aquatic invasive species removal efforts with a focus on Tier 2 (early detection) species
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Provide annual Aquatic Invasive Species Training Program for WNY PRISM region
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AIS issues and management information
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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 Terrestrial, Education and Early Detection Program Managers on shared projects
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Work with Education Program Manager to identify and/or create AIS education and outreach materials
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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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Maintain effective communication with additional WNY PRISM Staff on projects and use of shared resources
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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
Required 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 experience hiring, training and supervising staff
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Excellent time management and organizational skills
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Strong knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management, specifically aquatic invasive species (all taxa)
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Demonstrated success with program development and coordination
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Experience working with electronic data collection tools and programs, such as WISPA
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Experience working with large amounts of data and data analysis
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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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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
Educational Requirements:
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Undergraduate Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar)
Job Related Physical Requirements:
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Ability to work outdoors and navigate rugged terrain in remote locations
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Ability to work in inclement weather
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Ability to lift 40lbs on a regular basis
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Ability to work at a computer for 8 hours
Travel Requirements:
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Valid Driver’s License required
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Reliable transportation and use of personal vehicle will be required
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Weekend, evening and occasional overnight travel 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 Monday, November 2, 2020. Weekend hours will be required, mostly during the field season. 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 ($0.575/mile).
The deadline for applications is Monday, September 21, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (name and contact information) as a single attachment. Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator (lockeas@buffalostate.edu). No phone calls, please.