Senior Scientist

~ NYC Parks is the steward of approximately 29,000 acres of land - 14 percent of New York City - including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. ~

We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 550 tennis courts, 66 public pools, 48 recreational facilities, 17 nature centers, 13 golf courses, and 14 miles of beaches.

We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 650,000 street trees, and two million more in parks. We are New York City's principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.  

Position Overview 

NYC Parks is seeking candidates for the postion of Senior Scientist to work in Queens / Fort Totten.  

Under direction of the Deputy Chief of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources, with latitude for independent judgment and initiative, this position oversees and administers an adaptive management program collaborating with senior staff to integrate research, monitoring and evaluation.  

The mission of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources is to protect, restore, expand and manage New York City's natural spaces and green infrastructure to maximize their benefits and promote their value within and outside of the urban ecosystem.  

Responsibilities 

• Analyze and comment on proposals from other agencies that impact the restoration, protection and management of the City's forests, wetlands and grasslands.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation programs to measure progress of land management and research activities including developing a systematic approach to incorporate monitoring, training staff and reviewing protocols.
• Advance the partnership with the New York City Urban Field Station, a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service, Parks, academic, non-profit, city, state and federal agencies to establish, coordinate and oversee scientific research projects in New York City.
• Collaborate with the Natural Areas Conservancy and NRG staff on developing long-term science driven conservation goals. 
• Work closely with the Director of GIS & Analytics to develop holistic data resources to inform management; organize and document scientific datasets and advance data accessibility to all division staff.
• In coordination with the Urban Field Station, manage scientific communication, including research papers, journal submissions and briefings. 
• Work with managers to identify research goals and develop associated studies relating to issues such as mortality, population and ecosystem dynamics, species and habitat restoration, sediment dynamics and watershed processes.
• Supervise and conduct field investigations as needed. 
• Manage and oversee budget, procurement and administrative reporting, database management and tracking and training. 
• Oversee and prepare literature searches as needed. 
• Supervise research permit applications and reporting process. 

Note: Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.  

Qualifications  

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements: 

• For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) - A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health. 

• To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have: A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or 

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or 

• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

Preferred Skills: 

• A PhD with a specialization in physical, biological or environmental science.
• 5 years of experience in a supervisory, administrative or research capacity in ecology or a related field.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in independent research in ecology, restoration, habitat conservation, forestry or environmental science as evidenced by peer-reviewed journal publications, thesis work and/or presentations at research conferences and workshops. 
• Knowledge and experience in design and execution of data collection and field research in a wide range of habitat and ecosystem types. Familiarity with a broad range of field methodologies, analytical approaches and techniques and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.
• Excellent management, administrative, supervisory and communication skills. 
• Proven track record of goal-based accomplishments.
• Valid New York State driver license. 

Residency Requirement: 

• Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service.
• New York City residency required for all other candidates.  

Compensation: Proposed salary range is $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 (Annual).  

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Here!" and search for Job ID# 222518.