2024 - WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader - Buffalo, New York - Sponsored Program of The Research Foundation for The State University of New York - The Research Foundation for The State University of New York

Title: WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader

Location: Buffalo, New York

FTE: Full Time 

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 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, providing region wide coordination for invasive species monitoring and management, raising awareness and engaging community members. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.

WNY PRISM is hosted by the Great Lakes Center and is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State University. WNY PRISM is funded by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Position Description

WNY PRISM is seeking a Field Crew Leader to assist with the successful implementation of WNY PRISM field activities and to provide supervision for seasonal staff. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region. The WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, and additional Program Managers, to coordinate and implement invasive species management projects involving invasive species surveys, site monitoring, invasive species removal and habitat/native plant restoration projects throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region. 

The Field Crew Leader will be primarily responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and tracking of WNY PRISM field activities including invasive species surveys, removal projects, and habitat restoration efforts. To achieve this, they will supervise and work with the WNY PRISM Crew, a three-person seasonal stewardship team that works May – September.

A successful candidate will have excellent organization and communication skills, knowledge of invasive species management methods, experience with invasive species identification and removal, including use of herbicide and/or experience in landscaping, experience with equipment repair and maintenance, ability to effectively supervise seasonal staff, and a desire to get outdoors and help drive the restoration of our lands and waters. This position requires extensive field work that includes the use of herbicide, vehicles, kayaks, brushcutters and chainsaws. The WNY PRISM Crew works May – September and the Field Crew Leader will be expected to travel and work in the field with the Crew most days.

Primary Responsibilities

• Implement WNY PRISM invasive species field management efforts including surveys, removal and restoration projects.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisor, WNY PRISM Program Managers and partners.
• Assist with training and supervision of Invasive Species Management Assistants (WNY PRISM Crew), and other seasonal staff as necessary.
• Maintain detailed records for all projects and activities.
• Conduct invasive species surveys using iMapInvasives and associated tools.
• Collect identified field project data – pre/post management, site assessment, and species inventories.
• Assist with data confirmation and quality control, data organization and analysis.
• Provide Crew Assistance Program partners with detailed written reports and GIS maps for stewardship and survey projects.
• Maintain stewardship supplies and equipment including tools, vehicles, inventory and related paperwork.
• Assist WNY PRISM staff by coordinating use of shared stewardship equipment and ensure items are in proper working order when needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Represent WNY PRISM at meetings, conferences and public events.
• Assist with community science and volunteer efforts.
• Assist with WNY PRISM office operations including some administrative items.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar).
• 2 or more years related professional experience.
• Experience with use and maintenance of stewardship tools and equipment including, but not limited to, hand tools, herbicide applicators, chainsaws, brushcutters, kayaks, and vehicles.
• Knowledge of invasive species identification, invasive species ecology and management.
• Experience with field data collection, including invasive species surveys, and data collection tools (iMapInvasives, Survey123, ArcGIS Field Maps, GPS).
• Experience with use of herbicides to control invasive species.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Experience with seasonal staff training and supervision.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access).
• Working knowledge of GIS Technologies (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online).
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Valid Driver License.
• Reliable Transportation.

Physical Requirements

Ability to work in inclement weather and regularly lift 30-50 lbs.

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 $0.67 per mile. This position will require considerable travel within the 8-county region of WNY PRISM.

Job Details

This is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeframe of March 31 – October 10, 2025 (40 hours/week, $23.00/hour), with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required, and some projects may require 10-hour days – will not go over 40 hours/week. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required.

Position comes with paid holidays and sick leave and is based out of the WNY PRISM Office on the SUNY Buffalo State University Campus in Buffalo, NY.

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 7, 2025. Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Questions about this position may be directed to Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager, hernonba@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.

Position open until filled: Only one document upload allowed in the system.

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.