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. This is accomplished through use of a coordinated partnership network for which we provide leadership, technical assistance and collaboration opportunities. Our goal is to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts, engaging the public in management actions, and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout the 8-county region. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.
WNY PRISM is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State University and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center. Funding for WNY PRISM is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Position Description
The WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant will work closely with WNY PRISM staff and partners to implement and expand our education, outreach and community science programs, and will report directly to the WNY PRISM Community Science and Engagement Program Manager. Education efforts are essential to the success of the partnership and are integrated into nearly all aspects of WNY PRISM’s work. The selected candidate will help maintain the WNY PRISM social media accounts and Listserv, prepare e-newsletters, develop invasive species educational materials and content for the website, upload and organize photos, organize and lead education events, maintain detailed records, and communicate with partners. In addition, the Education and Outreach Assistant will assist with invasive species management activities such as invasive species surveys, removal and habitat restoration projects, as needed. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.
WNY PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to learn and work within all aspects of invasive species management. Individuals will gain valuable experience and increase their skill level in the fields of public outreach and education, program development, materials development, volunteer coordination, and invasive species management.
Primary Responsibilities
- Update and manage WNY PRISM social media accounts, Listserv and community events calendar.
- Update and aid in the development of education, outreach and community science materials.
- Write bi-weekly e-News and the WNY PRISM Fall Newsletter.
- Assist with the development of educational resources and content for the WNY PRISM website.
- Upload and organize photos in SharePoint Photo Library.
- Help to plan and implement in-person and virtual workshops and trainings.
- Assist with volunteer program and volunteer coordination ensuring high safety standards.
- Give presentations to a public audience on topics such as invasive species identification and iMapInvasives.
- Maintain detailed records for all educational, outreach and volunteer events and information.
- Maintain detailed records of communications with partners, volunteers and other parties.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with invasive species surveys and mapping, using iMapInvasives.
- Assist WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Crew and partners with invasive species removal efforts.
- Assist with office operations including organization, purchasing, answering phone and email inquiries, partner communication, and other general office tasks.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate Degree (Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Natural Resources or similar preferred).
- 1-year related professional experience.
- Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
- Strong interest in environmental education and invasive species management.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
- Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign or willingness to learn.
- Working knowledge of social media (Facebook and Instagram).
- Evidence of good time management skills and organization.
- Ability to work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
- Comfortable speaking in front of a wide variety of audiences.
Travel Requirements
Use of personal vehicle will be required. When using a personal vehicle, employee will be reimbursed for approved work-related travel at the current rate of $0.67 per mile.
Job Details
This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $21.00/hour), with an expected timeframe of May 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 (~21.5 weeks). The E&O Assistant will work Tuesday – Saturday, with Sunday/Monday off. Some evening hours will be required. Position is dependent upon final approval of funding.
The deadline for applications is Friday, March 15, 2024. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and writing sample as a single attachment. Questions can be directed to Rachel Taylor, Community Science and Engagement Program Manager at taylorrm@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.