2025 - WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant - Buffalo, NY - A Sponsored Program of The Research Foundation for The State University of New York - The Research Foundation for The State University of 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. 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 and community engagement 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 assist with events, workshops and trainings, manage WNY PRISM social media accounts, capture photo and video content, prepare e-newsletters, maintain detailed records, assist with WNY PRISM’s volunteer program, develop educational materials and website content and communicate with volunteers, partners and the public. 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

• Assist with coordination of WNY PRISM events including planning, communication, implementation and post-event follow up.
• Represent WNY PRISM at regional tabling and outreach events.
• Develop and post content for WNY PRISM social media accounts and report on performance metrics.
• Capture photo and video content of WNY PRISM events and activities and upload/organize in SharePoint.
• Write bi-weekly e-News and assist with development of the WNY PRISM Fall Newsletter.
• Maintain detailed records for all educational, outreach and volunteer events and information.
• Assist with volunteer program and volunteer coordination.
• Assist with the development of educational materials and content for the WNY PRISM website.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with invasive species surveys and mapping, using iMapInvasives.
• Assist WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Crew and partners with invasive species removal and restoration efforts.
• Assist with office operations including organization, purchasing, answering phone and email inquiries, partner communication, and other general office tasks.
• Maintain detailed records of communications with the public, partners and other parties.

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).
• 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 5, 2025 – September 26, 2025 (21 weeks). The Education and Outreach Assistant will work Tuesday – Saturday, with Sunday/Monday off. Some evening hours will be required.

The deadline for applications is Monday, March 3, 2025. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide a cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and one writing sample – combined into a single document and submitted as a single attachment with your online application. 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.