Research Foundation - Invasive Species Data Assistant

Title: Invasive Species Data Assistant

Research Foundation Title: Research Support Specialist

Unit: New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY

Salary: $54,000 - $62,000 annual depending on qualifications

Background:

The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is a program of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) whose mission is to collect, analyze, and share scientific information that can be used to preserve native species and ecosystems. NYNHP works in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and other state, federal and private organizations involved in natural resource management, land protection and stewardship, and advancing the conservation of biodiversity. For more information, please visit: www.nynhp.org

POSITION SUMMARY:

NYNHP works with the NYS DEC Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health to promote, review, and manage New York's Invasive Species Database, iMapInvasives (iMap), as well as related invasive species datasets. NYNHP also develops tools for collecting and analyzing these datasets. Many individuals and organizations across the state utilize iMapInvasives and related tools, including NYS agency staff, conservation organizations, educators, and volunteers.

The Invasive Species Data Assistant works within the NYNHP Invasive Species Database Program to help manage datasets and field data collection tools relating to invasive species survey and management. They will also provide technical assistance and training to users and assist with communications with partners and the public.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• • Review data (e.g., quality control checks) submitted by partners via field data collection tools within ArcGIS Online (AGOL) prior to upload into iMapInvasives.
  • Use Python scripts to crosswalk data from Esri environments into iMapInvasives
  • Periodically run scripted analyses of invasive species data
  • Generate data summaries for quarterly & annual reporting
  • Query the invasive species database to fulfill custom data requests from partners
  • Assist with other data and GIS tasks as needed
  • Provide training and technical support for users of the invasive species data and data collection tools
  • Develop training materials (e.g., documents, screen recordings) for invasive species data tools for a range of audiences
  • Provide support for special mapping projects in collaboration with other partners
  • Assist with communications to partners and the public (e.g., email, web content, virtual and in-person presentations, social media)
• Assist with planning for the biennial NY Invasive Species conference in collaboration with NYS DEC and other partners

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree, Associate Degree, or at least 3 years of professional experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), geography, data management, environmental science, natural resources, information technology or related field (at time of hire).
• Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information Systems for data management and analysis (ArcGIS, QGIS, or other)
• Experience with working with large datasets (e.g., within scripting environments, GIS, Excel, Access, or other database systems)
• Effective communication skills (verbal, written), especially in conveying technical information to varied audiences (e.g., natural resource professionals, general public).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience using Esri Desktop software, especially ArcGIS Pro
• Esri ArcGIS Online (AGOL) experience
• Understanding of field GIS data collection best practices and platforms (particularly Esri field data collection tools)
• Knowledge of natural resources, conservation, or biology, especially invasive species issues
• Familiarity with relational database concepts
• Familiarity with at least one computer programming language or GIS scripting environment (e.g., R, Python)
• Experience providing technical training (e.g. presentations, training documents)
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to work independently, balancing multiple project needs at one time
• Organization skills and attention to detail

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Invasive Species Data Assistant will work in an office setting, with occasional travel for meetings (e.g., several local and overnight trips throughout each year). This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule (e.g., some days in-office and some days telecommuting each week).

SUNY-ESF and the Broader Community

In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.