NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY (NAC) ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SEASONAL FIELD BIOLOGISTS (6)
Full-time Temporary Positions, 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 forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The site assessment will collect standardized ecological data. Site conditions including human uses and impacts will also be quantified. In May 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 Ecological Assessment Field Coordinator (EAFC), the Seasonal Field Biologist (SFB) will report to field sites daily and work within a team of two or three staff from May-October in conducting site assessments * Perform field biologist-work associated with ecological assessment * Locate assessment plots in natural settings and measure and record various vegetation and site attributes * Document, download, and edit field data daily * Assist in data analysis QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRMENTS 1. Undergraduate degree in wildlife, botany, ecology, natural resources or a related biological science PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS * Experience in plant and/or animal identification * Experience with GPS units and navigation and ecological sampling techniques * Ability to tolerate urban field conditions: very hot, humid weather and moderately strenuous hiking carrying 30 lbs. packs. * Ability to follow rigorous sampling protocols * Driver license valid in New York State * A positive attitude with enthusiasm for conducting field work and comfort working as part of a team * Familiarity with New York City natural areas a plus SCHEDULE The EASFB positions will begin May 1, 2013 and continue until October 31, 2013. 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 12, 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>
