Title: WNY PRISM Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager
FTE: Full Time
Location: Buffalo, New York
Annual Salary: $56,000 - $58,000
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 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, providing region wide coordination for invasive species monitoring and management, raising awareness and engaging community members. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
WNY PRISM is hosted by the Great Lakes Center and is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State University. WNY PRISM is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Position Description
WNY PRISM is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager to lead the successful implementation of WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program and aquatic invasive species management efforts. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region.
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, early detection and response, and education throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program (WISP) includes up to 15 public boat launches staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of WISP including partner communications, obtaining necessary permissions, hiring, training and supervision of Boat Stewards, data management, reporting and communication of program accomplishments, and maintaining equipment and outreach materials. Coordination of WISP will be the primary focus of the Program Manager however additional program responsibilities will include aquatic invasive species (AIS) survey and removal efforts, focused on early detection priority species, facilitation of the WNY Water Chestnut Working Group, development of an annual AIS workshop and additional educational efforts, data management and analysis, and reporting. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities
- Coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program.
- Prioritize and select boat launch sites and obtain all necessary permissions to host Boat Stewards.
- Ensure effective communication with launch partners.
- Recruit, retain and supervise qualified watercraft stewards (13).
- Provide quality assurance for all data collected and conduct Boat Steward field assessments.
- Use of Survey123 and WISPA (Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program Application), Walk-up and Angler Surveys.
- Purchase, manage and maintain supplies and equipment necessary to run the program.
- Coordinate aquatic invasive species survey and removal efforts with a focus on Tier 2 (early detection) species and site monitoring.
- Facilitate WNY Water Chestnut Working Group and represent WNY PRISM as part of additional partner led working groups (Hydrilla, iMapInvasives).
- Identify need and assist with development of AIS education and outreach materials.
- Provide annual Aquatic Invasive Species Training Program/Workshop for WNY PRISM region.
- Represent WNY PRISM at organizational planning meetings, working groups, conferences and outreach events.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AIS issues and management information.
- Work and communicate with WNY PRISM Program Managers on shared projects.
- Maintain regular communication with WNY PRISM Coordinator including bi-weekly meetings.
- Maintain detailed and organized records.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with WNY PRISM education and outreach efforts including assisting with community events and trainings.
- Maintain effective communication with WNY PRISM Staff on projects and shared resources.
- Assist with WNY PRISM administrative duties and general office operations.
- Assist with WNY PRISM grant and contract reporting requirements.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar).
- A minimum 3-years related professional experience required.
- Demonstrated success with project management, program development and coordination.
- Experience with Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Programs.
- Experience working with large data sets, effectively managing data collection, review, confirmation and analysis.
- Experience working with electronic data collection tools and programs, such as WISPA.
- Demonstrated strong writing and communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated experience hiring, training and supervising staff.
- Strong knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management, specifically aquatic invasive species (all taxa).
- Ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
- Professional experience with ArcGIS/ArcGIS online and related programs.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors in potentially inclement weather, to regularly lift 30-50 lbs, and the ability to work at a desk for a standard, 8-hour workday.
Travel Requirements
WNY PRISM staff share access to a work vehicle/truck (F250), however use of personal vehicle will be required as the truck is primarily used for field operations. Employee will be reimbursed for work related travel when using personal vehicle, at the federally approved rate, currently $0.67 per mile. This position will require considerable travel within the 8-county region of WNY PRISM.
Job Details
This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours/week) with current funding expected to continue through December 31, 2028. Weekend hours will be required, mostly during the field season while the Stewards are on duty, and during which time the Program Manager will work a Tuesday – Saturday schedule. Some evening and overnight travel will be required. Position availability is dependent upon final approval of funding.
Employees of the Research Foundation are eligible for health coverage, including vision and dental, paid time off, and retirement contributions. Position is based out of the WNY PRISM Office on the SUNY Buffalo State University Campus in Buffalo, NY.
Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references as single attachment. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. The position will remain open until filled. Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, Coordinator, lockeas@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls, please.
This opportunity includes an excellent benefit package 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.