Research Foundation - Assistant Ecologist/Botanist (Senior Research Support Specialist) - College of Environmental Science and Forestry

College of Environmental Science and Forestry•Albany, NY

35d•$55,000 - $63,000•Onsite

About The Position

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). The program's 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 (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.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in ecology, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, biology, zoology, natural history, or related field.
Course work or field experience in one or more of the following areas: community ecology, wetland systems, zoology, and botany.
Experience with ArcGIS or related computer mapping products.
Basic familiarity with aerial photograph/orthoimagery interpretation and community or cover type mapping in GIS.
Knowledge of regional fauna and flora, natural communities, ecosystems, or ecosystem processes.
Familiarity with taxonomic keys and field guides.
Valid NYS driver's license or the ability to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to graduate degrees in ecology, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, biology, zoology, natural history, or related field.
Experience with taxonomic keys and field guides.
Field ecology or botany experience, such as vegetation plot sampling and land cover or ecological community mapping.
Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS online
Experience with using databases (MS Access or other) for data entry and report production.
Experience in analyzing and interpreting data and preparing reports.

Responsibilities

Assist staff ecologists and botanists in conducting field surveys statewide using standard protocols.
Process data collected into databases, including NYNHP Field Forms database, wetland databases, digital image databases, and Biotics (Biodiversity Tracking and Conservation System).
Map occurrences of natural communities, rare animals, and rare plants using the standardized Heritage methodology.
Compile data from internal and external sources on field sites to be visited, including data from Natural Heritage databases and GIS, landowner information, historical documentation and more.
Compile and prepares data for analysis with ArcGIS analyses and statistical software.
Assist with obtaining information from partners.
As needed, assist biologists in conducting fieldwork across New York State.
Review scientific literature as assigned.