Job Opportunity Civil Service Title: City Research Scientist Office Title: Senior Scientist Salary: $85,000 - $90,000
BACKGROUND The Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources division is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives, policy Standards and performance measures including street tree planting, Greenstreets, Green Infrastructure, natural areas restoration and horticultural training and education. The division also oversees and coordinates the activities of two nurseries, scientific work through the Urban Field Station and the MillionTreesNYC campaign. MillionTreesNYC, a public-private program to plant and care for one million trees across the City's five boroughs by 2015, recruits over 5,000 volunteers annually. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES * Under direction of the Deputy Chief of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources, with latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, oversee science staff of the Natural Resources Group (NRG) dedicated to conducting citywide assessments, inventory and monitoring of ecological resources, restoration and ongoing management practices. * Advise the division's senior staff on restoration, protection and management of the City's forests, wetlands and grasslands. Implement monitoring programs to measure progress. * Advance the partnership with the New York City Urban Field Station, a partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and Parks as well as academic, non-profit, city, state and federal agencies to establish, coordinate and oversee scientific research projects in New York City, including data dissemination/coordination. * Collaborate with the Natural Areas Conservancy and NRG staff on conservation goals at a citywide and site level, and develop a prioritization framework for long-term natural resource protection and management. * Ensure the proper organization and documentation of scientific datasets, research/monitor data collection efforts and advance data accessibility to other division staff, in collaboration with the Director of GIS and Analytics. * Manage scientific communication, including research papers, fact sheets, journal submissions and briefings. * Develop and identify research goals, experiments and studies such as mortality studies, plant population analytics, ecosystem dynamics and hydrology. * 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. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 1. 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 2. 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 experience in the appropriate field of specialization, including one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative, or research capacity as described in "2" above. 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. PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS 1. A PhD with a specialization in physical, biological or environmental science. 2. 5 years of experience in a supervisory, administrative or research capacity in ecology or a related field. 3. 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. 4. 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. 5. Knowledge of Parks agency structure and divisions and/or government operations. 6. Excellent management, administrative, supervisory and communication skills. 7. Proven track record of goal-based accomplishments. 8. Valid New York State driver license. TO APPLY: 1) Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search<http://www.nyc.gov/careers/search> 2) Search for Job ID# 193508
