Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator — NYS Water Resources Institute
Position Summary
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
This position represents a partnership between the New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests. The ISCS is responsible for coordinating New York State’s comprehensive approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs via partnerships with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation organizations, private organizations, and the public. Major efforts include prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating management projects at large scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques, and exploring active restoration actions. The ISCS also serves as liaison to the New York Invasive Species Council (NYISC: established in statute; nine State agencies co-lead by the Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Agriculture and Markets) and the New York Invasive Species Advisory Committee (established in statute to advise the NYSIC; 25 non-governmental entities).
The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator will work throughout New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (NYSDEC) Region 6, be housed at a Region 6 DEC office, coordinate through the Regional Forester, and work alongside DEC staff. ISCS will work closely with NYSWRI to provide the Coordinator with guidance, oversight, and Region 6 support. Primary duties of this position will include surveying and managing aquatic invasive species, creating and supervising a regional AIS strike team, as well as planning and executing research and demonstration projects related to prevention, control, and eradication of aquatic invasives. This position requires strong communication skills and interaction with local constituents. Additional duties will include coordination of Watercraft Inspection Steward Programs (WISP) within the Region.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Brownville, New York. This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in aquatic biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in one or more of the following involving aquatic invasive species: field work in waterbodies and wetlands involving surveys, general data collection and analysis, and management.
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment is critical.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational experience.
- Ability to provide consistent and accurate information.
- Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.
- Proactive in independently identifying and following up on program objectives, organizational needs, determining tasks necessary to meet project requirements and deadlines, and engaging and collaborating with support staff and resources as needed with minimal supervision.
- New York State pesticide application certification in category 5a; or, pesticide application certification in any category with a willingness to obtain category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, 2+ years of verifiable experience as a technician in any commercial category with a willingness to upgrade to category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, willingness to become a technician in category 5A once hired and upgrade to a commercial applicator within 1 year of hire (candidates with no prior pesticide application experience).
- Demonstrated geospatial analysis and visualization skills (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcPRO, ArcGIS Online).
- Experience and proficiency with operation and maintenance of motorboats and other mechanical equipment.
- Experience with report preparation and analysis.
- Experience demonstrating sound judgment, creativity, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness and demonstrated aptitude for supervising others.
- Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
- Complete Cornell Supervisory Development Training within six months to one year of hire.
- Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
- Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in aquatic biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent, with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
- Familiarity with state and federal permitting processes, including Article 15, Article 24, and State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).
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