Job: Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager
FTE: Full Time
Location: Buffalo, New York
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 or minimize 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 and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout the 8-county region. WNY PRISM runs many programs that support our core functions: Partner/Network Coordination, Information Management, Education and Outreach, Prevention, Early Detection and Rapid Response, Management and Habitat Restoration. WNY PRISM is currently seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager to coordinate a regional Watercraft Inspection Boat Stewardship Program and additional aquatic invasive species programming. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
Funding for WNY PRISM is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. WNY PRISM is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for Buffalo State and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center.
Position Description
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 and education throughout the eight county WNY PRISM region. The Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program (WISP) includes 18 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 program equipment and outreach materials. Coordination of WISP will be the primary focus of the Program Manager however additional program responsibilities will include facilitation of the WNY Water Chestnut Working Group, AIS survey and removal efforts, coordination of an annual AIS workshop, collaboration with partners on regional Hydrilla efforts, and coordination of education and outreach events. The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Manager will report directly to the WNY PRISM Coordinator.
Primary Responsibilities
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Coordinate WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program.
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Identify boat launch sites and obtain all necessary permissions to host boat stewards.
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Ensure effective and appropriate regional boat launch coverage; maintain communication with partners.
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Recruit, retain and supervise qualified watercraft stewards (18-20).
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Hold 2-day training for boat stewards and provide continued learning opportunities.
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Provide quality assurance for all data collected and conduct Boat Steward field assessments.
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Provide regional support for use of Survey123 and WISPA (Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program Application), and represent WNY PRISM as part of Advisory Group.
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Purchase, manage and maintain supplies and equipment necessary to run the program.
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Ensure availability of appropriate outreach materials.
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Produce monthly program reports and annual program report.
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Present on program and accomplishments at meetings and conferences.
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Conduct adaptive management assessment on program and implement improvements.
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Lead additional WNY PRISM AIS program development to meet prioritized regional needs.
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Facilitate WNY Water Chestnut Working Group and represent WNY PRISM as part of additional partner led working groups (Hydrilla, iMapInvasives).
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Coordinate aquatic invasive species survey and removal efforts with a focus on Tier 2 (early detection) species.
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Represent WNY PRISM at organizational planning meetings, conferences and outreach events.
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Provide annual Aquatic Invasive Species Training Program/Workshop for WNY PRISM region.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of AIS issues and management information.
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Identify and assist with development of AIS education and outreach materials.
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Work and communicate with WNY PRISM Program Managers on shared projects.
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Maintain regular communication with WNY PRISM Coordinator including bi-weekly meetings.
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Provide monthly program updates/reports to WNY PRISM Coordinator.
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Maintain detailed and organized records.
Additional Responsibilities
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Assist with WNY PRISM education and outreach efforts including contributing content to the Spring and Fall e-Newsletters, website, and social media, and assisting with community events and trainings.
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Assist WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Crew and partners with invasive species removal efforts.
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Maintain effective communication with additional WNY PRISM Staff on projects and use of shared resources.
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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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Experience with Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Programs.
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Demonstrated experience hiring, training and supervising staff.
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Excellent time management and organizational skills.
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Strong knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management, specifically aquatic invasive species (all taxa).
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Demonstrated success with program development and coordination.
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Experience working with electronic data collection tools and programs, such as WISPA.
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Experience working with large amounts of data and data analysis.
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Demonstrated strong writing and communication skills.
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Ability to present scientific information to a wide variety of audiences.
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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.).
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Professional experience with ArcGIS technology and programs.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors, in potentially 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 expected to continue through December 31, 2023. The position has a starting salary of $44,000.00/year and has a target start date of Monday, November 28, 2022. Weekend hours will be required, mostly during the field season. Some evening and overnight travel will 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
Deadline to apply is Friday, November 4, 2022. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (name and contact information) as a single attachment. Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator (lockeas@buffalostate.edu). No phone calls, please.
This opportunity 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.