Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Wed Feb 28 2024 Job Description:

Title: Assistant Ecologist (RF Title: Senior Research Support Specialist NE)

Salary Range: $53,550 - $57,550 per year (Full time), excellent benefits

Location: Albany, NY.

Background

The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is a program of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY- ESF). The program's mission is to collect, analyze and share scientific information that can be used to preserve native species and ecosystems. NYNHP works in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and other state, federal, and private organizations involved in natural resource management, land protection and stewardship, and advancing the conservation of biodiversity. For more information, please visit www.nynhp.org.

Summary of Position:

The Assistant Ecologist is part of the NYNHP State Parks Biodiversity Partnership (https://www.nynhp.org/projects/state-parks/). They are supervised by the State Parks Ecologist and work closely with NYNHP team members and State Park staff to facilitate the protection of biodiversity of state park lands. The job focuses on data processing, ecological community mapping in GIS, field surveys of natural communities on State Park's lands and generating products to support stewardship. The position provides opportunities to participate in the ongoing development of tools, methods, processes, trainings, and techniques that improve the collection, storage, interpretation, dissemination, and application of NYNHP information and to share expertise and knowledge with colleagues in NYNHP and NY State Parks.

Brief Description of Duties:

• Collect, maintain, and update ecology data including transcription, mapping and quality control of field database and significant community records in NYNHP Biotics database. Ensure data quality and facilitate timely data transfer to State Parks.

• Delineate ecological communities in GIS (new and updates) using orthoimagery, field data from NHP and Parks staff, and other resources.

• Work with the State Parks Ecologist to prioritize and conduct field surveys of natural communities.

• Facilitate sharing of data sets from NYNHP to State Parks and assist in report production.

• Assist with training for Park staff regarding NY Natural Heritage Program data and the utility of NYNHP databases and products.

  Job Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in zoology, natural history, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, biology, ecology, or related field.

• Experience in using common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Web browsers)

• Experience with ArcGIS and/or ArcGIS Online.

• Basic familiarity with aerial photograph/orthoimagery interpretation and community or cover type mapping in GIS.

• Experience in analyzing and interpreting data and preparing reports.

• Basic knowledge of field biology and common plant species in the northeast U.S.

• Willingness to travel occasionally throughout New York State to conduct field surveys and present training, sometimes in remote locations, including overnight travel.

• Valid NYS driver's license or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with some field ecology or botany experience, such as vegetation plot sampling and land cover or ecological community mapping.

• Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS online is desired.

• Experience with using databases (MS Access or other) for data entry and report production.

• Familiarity with the biodiversity or flora of the northeastern United States or Great Lakes region.

  Additional Information:

In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.