WNY PRISM Community Science and Engagement Program Manager
Full Time Position, Buffalo New York
About 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 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 Office was established in 2014 and has quickly become a regional leader in invasive species management. We work with nearly 200 partners across the region offering wide range of programming and great opportunities to work in all aspects of invasive species management.
WNY PRISM is hosted by the Great Lakes Center and is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State. WNY PRISM is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
Position Description
The Community Science and Engagement Program Manager (Program Manager) will work to engage community members and our partners in efforts to prevent, monitor and manage invasive species by leading education and outreach programs for WNY PRISM. This involves implementing community science programs and coordinating volunteer efforts, communication with the public and partners, event coordination (workshops, meetings and presentations), extensive record keeping, development of outreach, instructional materials and online content, coordination of social media and maintenance of the WNY PRISM website. The Program Manager will also hire, train, and supervise a seasonal Education and Outreach Assistant (May – September) who will work alongside the Program Manager to assist with tasks and lead outreach efforts.
WNY PRISM’s education and outreach efforts center on partner and community engagement, working to increase awareness of invasive species issues, drive action and improve management efforts. This is accomplished through our wide-ranging programs including community science initiatives, volunteer surveys, training workshops, outreach, resource development and our Pledge to Protect campaign. We apply an adaptive management approach to all our work which requires detailed record keeping to measure program success. The Program Manager will be responsible for all aspects of education and outreach, including related communications, for WNY PRISM.
A successful candidate will be highly organized and detail oriented and have excellent writing and communication skills. They will have experience implementing educational programs, coordinating volunteers and hiring and supervising staff. They must be proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Programs, and have experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) and Wordpress. Weekend and evening hours will be required as this is when many community focused events take place, especially during the busy summer months. The Program Manager will work closely with WNY PRISM staff, the PRISM Network and the broader NYS Invasive Species Program to ensure education and outreach efforts meet the needs of the region and assist in fulfilling our strategic plan goals. The Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities
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Coordinate and expand WNY PRISM Community Science Programs which currently include Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Surveys, Trail Surveys and Spotted Lanternfly Monitoring.
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Coordinate volunteers, volunteer events and workdays in support of WNY PRISM Programs including event planning and promotion.
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Maintain effective communication with community scientists and volunteers focusing on engagement and retention, produce monthly Community Science Bulletin.
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Produce annual program reports detailing community science and volunteer efforts.
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Further develop WNY PRISM Pledge to Protect Program and messaging focused on behavior change.
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Hire, train and supervise Education and Outreach Assistant (May – September); assist with additional hiring efforts.
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Maintain detailed and accurate records; data and metrics necessary to demonstrate growth and success of programs.
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Maintain regular communication with Coordinator, attend bi-weekly meetings and provide monthly reports detailing accomplishments and progress.
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Maintain regular communication with WNY PRISM Program Managers and work together on shared projects.
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Present talks and/or workshops (partners and public) with the goals of raising awareness, improving management and creating behavior change.
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Coordinate WNY PRISM presentations, workshops, and meetings including partner meetings and regional invasive species management symposium.
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Represent WNY PRISM at public meetings and conferences, and as part of NYS Invasive Species Program Working Groups and organizational planning meetings.
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Maintain WNY PRISM website functionality and lead efforts to improve/expand content.
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Coordinate and grow social media impact through Facebook and Instagram.
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Work with Program Managers and Coordinator to develop outreach and instructional materials in support of WNY PRISM Programs.
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Produce bi-annual eNewsletter (Spring/Fall).
Additional Responsibilities
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Represent WNY PRISM at community outreach events and assist with coordinating WNY PRISM participation.
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Assist with dissemination of WNY PRISM news and invasive species information to the region through use of Listserv, events calendar, social media, news media and website.
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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.
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Assist with data collection, review and quality control.
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Assist WNY PRISM Crew and partners with invasive species removal efforts.
Qualifications
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Undergraduate Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred (Ecology/Biology, Natural Resources, Communications or related).
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A minimum 3-years related professional experience required.
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Strong writing and communication skills.
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Detail oriented with strong organization and ability to balance multiple projects.
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Understanding of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
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Experience giving presentations and demonstrated ability to present scientific information to a wide variety of audiences.
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Demonstrated success with program development and coordination.
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Experience coordinating and facilitating meetings, workshops and other events.
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Experience developing outreach materials and use of related software.
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Experience with professional use of social media.
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Demonstrated experience with website 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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Experience using iMapInvasives, or ability to learn quickly and to effectively teach community members with wide range of experience and skill level.
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 $0.625 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 $44,000.00/year and has a target start date of October 11, 2022. Weekend and evening hours will be required as events commonly occur at these times, especially during the summer. 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 Friday, September 16, 2022, however review of applications may begin earlier. 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.