Title: WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant
Full-time Temporary, 15 weeks, staring around 5/26, $13/hour
Location: Buffalo
Application Deadline: 4/4/14
Summary of position:
About WNY PRISM
The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) was formed to combat the spread of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species and mitigate associated threats by providing region-wide coordination for invasive species monitoring and management. Our mission is to proactively identify, evaluate and address invasive species priorities in western New York using a coordinated partnership of local professionals, organizations and private citizens to improve, restore and protect aquatic and terrestrial resources.
Position Description
The WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant will work with WNY PRISM Program Coordinator to develop new volunteer, education and outreach programming essential to the success of the partnership. This position will involve developing invasive species educational materials, identifying and reaching out to potential partners, developing volunteer stewardship program, training volunteers, organizing and attending outreach events and assisting with invasive species stewardship and surveying activities. The Education and Outreach Assistant will work closely with Stewardship Assistants to achieve overall goals of the WNY PRISM.
The Education and Outreach Assistant position offers candidates a unique opportunity to work with a growing partnership network focusing on invasive species management. WNY PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to learn and work within all aspects of invasive species management in the western New York region. Individuals will gain valuable experience and increase their skill level in the fields of volunteer coordination, program development and invasive species management.
A successful candidate must be flexible with working schedule including a willingness to work some weekends and evenings as well as occasional extended days and overnights.
Job Functions/Responsibilities:
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist with development of Volunteer Stewardship Program and grow volunteer base
- Assist with building WNY PRISM Network of Partners and Stakeholders
- Assist with WNY PRISM information distribution, materials development and communications
- Maintain Community Events Calendar
- Assist with development and compiling educational materials
- Represent WNY PRISM at community events
- Track participants in educational programs offered, events attended and materials produced
- Assist with iMapInvasives initiative including participation in surveys and trainings
- Provide content for WNY PRISM website
Additional Responsibilities
- Work with Partners on invasive species eradication efforts
- Assist with future program development
- Develop press releases and articles promoting invasive species management and WNY PRISM
Required Qualifications:
Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred)
- Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (word, excel, power point)
- Comfortable speaking in front of audiences on various topics
- Evidence of good time management skills
- Self-motivated, work well both independently and in a collaborative setting
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong writing skills
- Strong interest in invasive species management
Additional Qualifications
- Working knowledge of ArcView/GIS software
- Working knowledge of Publisher and/or Adobe design software
- Experience with website design and/or development of website content
Educational Requirements:
- Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred)
Job Related Physical Requirements:
Employee may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations and on difficult and hazardous terrain. These conditions often require considerable physical exertion and present the possibility of injury and the need to operate in an especially safe manner.
Travel Requirements:
Employee will be based out of the Great Lakes Center Field Station and travel throughout the 8 county service area of WNY PRISM will be required. Some weekends and evening hours will be required. Occasional overnight trips may be required. Work vehicles may be available for use however, use of personal vehicle will be necessary. Employee will be reimbursed for work related travel when using personal vehicle, at a rate of $0.56 per mile.
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.