WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Program Manager - Buffalo, NY
About WNY PRISM
The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) is a partnership organization whose mission is to address invasive species priorities using a coordinated partnership network, for which we provide leadership, information and resources, and collaboration opportunities. We work to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management, providing region-wide coordination for invasive species monitoring and management, and mitigating associated threats. The WNY PRISM region encompasses the 8 western-most counties of New York State. The WNY PRISM Office was established in 2014 and has quickly become a regional leader in invasive species management. We work with over 100 partners across the region offering great opportunities to work in all aspects of invasive species management as we continue to grow our programming.
WNY PRISM is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with DEC. WNY PRISM is hosted by the Great Lakes Center and is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
Position Description
The Education and Outreach Program Manager (Program Manager) will lead education and outreach efforts for WNY PRISM including program development and implementation, event coordination, communication, and development of training and outreach materials. The Program Manager will lead WNY PRISM’s Education and Outreach Working Group and represent WNY PRISM as part of additional regional and statewide working groups. The successful candidate will work closely with WNY PRISM staff and the broader NYS Invasive Species Program and PRISM Network to ensure education and outreach efforts meet the needs of the region and move WNY PRISM toward fulfilling our strategic plan goals.
The Education and Outreach Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of education and outreach for WNY PRISM including workshops and tabling events, dissemination of WNY PRISM news and information, development of outreach and training materials, maintenance and content development for the WNY PRISM website and social media, and data collection necessary to measure program success. Efforts will focus on encouraging behavior change, improving invasive species management, raising awareness, and the development of community science programs, many of which include the use of iMapInvasives and associated tools. The Program Manager will also hire, train, and supervise a seasonal Education and Outreach Assistant who will work alongside the Program Manager on many of these tasks. The Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
A successful candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills and be highly organized and detail oriented. They will have a solid understanding of invasive species management, an ability to effectively engage a variety of audiences, and will have experience in development of outreach materials, event planning, use of social media, and hiring and supervising staff. They must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Programs, and have experience with ArcGIS programs and technology, iMapInvasives, and Wordpress.
Primary Responsibilities
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Program Coordination (25%)
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Identify and develop ways to grow WNY PRISM education and outreach efforts to support core goals and programming.
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Maintain regular communication with Terrestrial and Aquatic Program Managers; work together on shared projects.
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Hire, train, and supervise seasonal (May – October) Education and Outreach Assistant; assist with additional hiring efforts.
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Maintain detailed and accurate records – collect data/metrics, photos, and testimonials necessary to demonstrate growth and success of programs.
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Represent WNY PRISM as part of NYS PRISM Network Working Groups and organizational planning meetings.
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Represent WNY PRISM at community events, public meetings, and conferences.
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Ensure necessary permits and permissions are in place for education and outreach events.
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Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are in place and keep detailed inventory of training and outreach materials.
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Maintain regular communication with Coordinator and attend bi-weekly meetings.
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Provide monthly report to Coordinator detailing accomplishments and progress.
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Develop annual program report for education and outreach efforts.
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Community Science/Volunteer Coordination (25%)
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Coordinate WNY PRISM’s involvement in established community science programs including NYS PRISM Network initiatives such as hemlock woolly adelgid, spotted lanternfly/tree-of-heaven, and additional iMapInvasives survey programs and challenges.
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Further develop and coordinate WNY PRISM’s Rails-to-Trails/Trailways Volunteer Survey and Management Programs.
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Further develop WNY PRISM programming focused on creating behavior change.
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Develop partnerships to assist with volunteer recruitment and retention.
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Event Coordination (20%)
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Coordinate WNY PRISM presentations, workshops, and trainings including partner meetings and regional invasive species management symposium.
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Provide event planning and coordination assistance for WNY PRISM staff and partners including event promotion and assistance with volunteer recruitment.
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Coordinate WNY PRISM NY Invasive Species Awareness Week Programming.
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Ensure proper tools are in place to facilitate successful and effective events.
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Present talks or workshops for partners and the public with the goals of raising awareness, improving management, and creating behavior change.
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Coordinate WNY PRISM’s participation in, and represent WNY PRISM at, outreach and tabling events including fairs, festivals, and farmers markets.
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Materials Development (15%)
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Develop outreach materials focused on increasing regional invasive species awareness, improving management, and creating behavior change.
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Develop materials to support community science programs including aquatic and terrestrial survey projects.
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Develop bi-annual eNewsletter (Spring/Fall).
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Develop instructional videos and tutorials (examples: management, identification).
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Communication (15%)
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Disseminate WNY PRISM news and invasive species information to the region through use of Listserv, events calendar, social media, news media and website – produce bi-weekly eNews.
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Maintain functionality of WNY PRISM website and lead efforts to improve content and ensure site is easy to navigate.
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Develop website news items and blog posts, post regularly.
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Maintain and grow social media presence through Facebook and Instagram, develop quarterly plans that include focus themes.
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Coordinate and track WNY PRISM communication with the public and partners.
Additional Responsibilities
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Assist WNY PRISM 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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Strong knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
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Strong writing and communication skills.
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Evidence of good time management skills and organization.
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Experience giving presentation and demonstrated ability to present scientific information to a wide variety of audiences.
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Experience facilitating meetings.
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Demonstrated success with outreach program development and coordination.
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Experience developing outreach materials and with use of related software.
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Experience with professional use of social media.
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Demonstrated experience with web page design, content development and maintenance.
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Demonstrated experience hiring and supervising staff.
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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.) and Adobe Programs.
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Professional experience with ArcGIS technology and programs.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in inclement weather and to regularly lift 30-50 lbs. 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 $0.56 per mile.
Job Details
This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours/week) with current funding secured through December 31, 2023. The position has a starting salary of $39,000/year. Weekend and evening hours will be required. Some overnight travel will be required. Use of a personal vehicle will also be required.
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 Campus in Buffalo, NY.
To Apply
Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references as a single attachment. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. The deadline for applications is Monday, May 17, 2021. Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator (lockeas@buffalostate.edu). No phone calls, please.
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.
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.