Field Operations Manager

Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management Published: January 4, 2022
Location
Buffalo, NY
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Natural Resources/ Restoration / Program Management
(Number of Job Posting Views: 7)

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Description

The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) is a partnership organization whose mission is to address invasive species priorities using a coordinated partnership network, for which we provide leadership, information and resources, and collaboration opportunities.

We work to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management, providing region-wide coordination for invasive species monitoring and management, and mitigating associated threats. The WNY PRISM region encompasses the 8 western-most counties of New York State. Established in 2014, WNY PRISM has quickly become a regional leader in invasive species management working with over 150 partners on a wide variety of projects across the region.

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.

Position Overview

The WNY PRISM Field Operations Manager will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, additional Program Managers and WNY PRISM Coordinator, 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 Operations Manager will be primarily responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and tracking of WNY PRISM field activities including invasive species surveys and mapping, removal projects, and habitat restoration efforts. To achieve this they will hire, train, supervise and work with the WNY PRISM Crew, a three-person seasonal stewardship team that works May – October. The Field Operations Manager will maintain WNY PRISM field equipment and inventory, lead field data collection efforts, produce project summaries and reports, maintain detailed records, communicate effectively with partners, and represent WNY PRISM as part of various working groups. They will also assist the Terrestrial Program Manager with coordinating the Crew Assistance Program, assist with site visits and assessments, and assist with education and outreach efforts.  

A successful candidate will have excellent organization and communication skills, experience with equipment repair and maintenance, knowledge of invasive species management methods and strategies, experience with invasive species identification and removal, demonstrated ability to effectively manage and 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, boats, brushcutters and chainsaws. The WNY PRISM Crew works May – October and the Field Operations Manager will be expected to travel and work in the field with the Crew most days. Additional field work may be conducted October – April, in coordination with our partners.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Implement WNY PRISM invasive species field management efforts including surveys and mapping, removal, and restoration projects.
  • Assist with Crew Assistance Program coordination including project selection and development of field schedule.
  • Hire, train, and supervise WNY PRISM Crew (Invasive Species Management Assistants), assist with additional WNY PRISM seasonal hiring efforts.
  • Maintain stewardship supplies and equipment, including tools, truck service, 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.
  • Conduct invasive species surveys using iMapInvasives and associated tools, including both WNY PRISM and statewide priority survey programs.
  • Collect identified field project data – pre/post management, site assessment, and species inventories.
  • Maintain detailed records for all projects and activities.
  • Provide Crew Assistance Program partners with detailed written reports for stewardship and survey projects.
  • Provide detailed, internal written reports on stewardship and survey efforts, for tracking and grant reporting.
  • Assist with data confirmation and quality control, data organization and analysis.
  • Represent WNY PRISM at meetings, conferences, and public events.
  • Maintain effective communication with partners.
  • Maintain effective communication with WNY PRISM staff including Terrestrial and Aquatic Program Managers.
  • Provide monthly reports on activities to supervisor and attend WNY PRISM staff meetings.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Assist with additional WNY PRISM and statewide priority invasive species projects and initiatives.
  • Assist with education and outreach efforts and development of outreach materials.
  • Assist with community science/volunteer efforts.
  • Assist with WNY PRISM office operations including some administrative items.

Qualifications 

Required Education:

  • Undergraduate Degree required (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar)

Required Skill Set:

  • 3 or more years related professional experience.
  • Experience in a leadership role with people management skills.
  • Experience with seasonal staff training and supervision.
  • Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
  • Experience with use and maintenance of stewardship tools and equipment including, but not limited to, hand tools, herbicide applicators, chainsaws, brushcutters, kayaks, vehicles and trailers.
  • Certified Pesticide Applicator, or ability to acquire appropriate license(s) within 6 months.
  • Experience with use of pesticides to treat invasive species.
  • Experience with field data collection, including invasive species surveys, and data collection tools (iMapInvasives, Survey123, GPS).
  • Excellent time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (word, excel, power point) and Adobe software.
  • Working knowledge of GIS Technologies (ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online).

Physical Requirements:

  • Position requires the ability to work outdoors and navigate rugged terrain in remote locations, the ability to work in inclement weather, the ability to lift 40-50lbs on a regular basis and the ability to work at a computer for 8 hours.

Travel Requirements:

  • Valid Driver’s License required
  • Reliable transportation and use of personal vehicle will be required.
  • Weekend, evening and occasional overnight travel will be required
  • Additional Travel Information:
    • 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 $0.56 per mile. This position will require considerable travel within the 8-county region of WNY PRISM, especially during the field season (May-October)

Compensation & Location

  • This is a full-time, permanent position (40 hours/week) with current funding secured through December 31, 2023.Position is based out of the WNY PRISM Office on the SUNY Buffalo State Campus in Buffalo, NY.
  • The position has a starting salary of $41,000.00/year.
  • Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required.
    • The desired start date will be in January 2022.
  • Benefits:
    • Employees of the Research Foundation are eligible for health coverage, including vision and dental, paid time off, and retirement contributions. 

Note: 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.

To Apply

  • Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (only one document upload allowed) Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. 
  • The deadline for applications is Monday, January 10, 2022. Review of applications will begin prior to the closing date.
  • Questions about this position may be directed to Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator.
  • No phone calls, please.

The SUNY Buffalo State Sponsored Programs Office/Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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