NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY (NAC) ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT FIELD COORDINATOR
Full-time Temporary Position, New York City, New York BACKGROUND The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is a not-for-profit organization created to work in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to restore, protect and manage a network of green and blue space that promotes a healthy, livable and diverse New York City. The NAC is tasked with expanding and diversifying the protection, management and restoration of 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands and grasslands overseen by the Parks Department's Natural Resources Group. This public/private partnership will unify the identity of NYC's natural areas, increase public awareness and volunteerism and integrate advanced technology. One of the first programs of the NAC is to undertake a comprehensive citywide assessment that uses uniform metrics to measure the health of natural areas. Standardized ecological data will be collected for the site assessment. Site conditions including human uses and impacts will also be quantified. In spring 2013, NAC's pilot field season will launch in three targeted areas in New York City: natural area parks in the borough of Brooklyn, Van Cortlandt Park in the northwest Bronx, and tidal wetlands city-wide. Assessment methodology will be conducted by NAC and NYC Parks staff as well as interns and seasonal hires. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES * Under supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Ecological Assessment Field Coordinator (EAFC) will supervise seasonal field biologists and interns making up field teams of three to five staff in conducting site assessments from May-October for two years * Coordinate fieldwork and assist in the collection and management of field data * Assure data collection protocols are followed and documented correctly * Coordinate field schedules, equipment use and site logistics * Manage data sets, assist in analysis, and write reports QUALIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS 1. A Master's degree with major study in environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, wildlife biology, botany, natural resources or a related biological science 2. A minimum of two years of professional experience PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in plant and/or animal identification and a working knowledge of the flora and fauna of the northeastern U.S. * Experience with GPS units and navigation, and ecological sampling techniques * Ability to follow and instruct others in rigorous sampling protocols * Experience in managing and analyzing data sets and use of standard statistical software * Ability to tolerate urban field conditions: very hot, humid weather and moderately strenuous hiking carrying 30 lbs. packs * Strong communication skills * Driver license valid in New York State * A positive attitude with enthusiasm for conducting field work and comfort leading and working as part of a team * Familiarity with New York City natural areas a plus SCHEDULE The EAFC position will begin April 2013 and continue for two years. Start date is flexible. 35-hour work week, typically weekdays with 7- hour work days. To apply, please submit a cover letter with the position title, resume and contact information for three references to: Helen Forgione, Senior Project Manager Arsenal North 1234 Fifth Avenue, RM 237 New York, NY 10029 Email: [email protected] Fax: 212-360-1426 All resumes must be received no later than April 5, 2013. Helen M. Forgione Senior Project Manager for Ecological Assessment Natural Areas Conservancy T 212 360-1451 E [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> NYC Parks Arsenal North 1234 5th Avenue Room 200 NY, NY 10029 nyc.gov/parks <http://www.nycgovparks.org> Follow Parks on: Facebook <http://facebook.com/nycparks> | Twitter <http://twitter.com/nycparks> | foursquare <https://foursquare.com/nycparks> | Flickr <http://www.flickr.com/groups/newyorkcityparks> | YouTube <http://www.youtube.com/user/NYCParksDepartment> | Broadcastr <http://beta.broadcastr.com/Echo.html?author=NYCParks>
