ANNOUNCEMENT OF FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL VACANCY
The Research Foundation of the State University of New York
for the College of Environmental Science and Forestry
1 Forestry Drive, Syracuse, New York 13210-2778
August 7, 2018
TITLE: Principal Research Support Specialist
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Project Coordinator, Breeding Bird Atlas
DEPARTMENT: New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY
SALARY: $50,000 annually (Full time); position is based in Albany, Syracuse,
or Ithaca, NY.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND
The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is a program of the Research
Foundation for the State University of New York College of Environmental
Science and Forestry (SUNY- ESF) whose mission is to facilitate the
conservation of New York’s biodiversity by providing comprehensive information
and scientific expertise on rare species and natural ecosystems. NYNHP works in
partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
and other state, federal and private organizations involved in natural resource
management, land protection and stewardship, and advancing the conservation of
biodiversity.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Breeding Bird Atlases, in which volunteer birders systematically
document the presence and behavior of bird species over multiple years, are
important for obtaining baseline data on a jurisdiction’s breeding birds and
documenting distributional and phenological change. From 2020-2025, New York
will be the first state to conduct its third Breeding Bird Atlas and for the
first time will be using eBird (www.ebird.org<http://www.ebird.org>) to
facilitate the collection and storage of data. This Atlas is a partnership
between NYNHP, SUNY ESF faculty, the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, the New York State Ornithological Association, Audubon NY,
Cornell University, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The Coordinator
plays key roles in running day-to-day operations, engaging experienced and
novice birders, and ensuring the collection of high-quality data on New York’s
birds.
Funding for this position is in place until summer 2023, after
which a renewal through the end of the Atlas is possible pending additional
funding.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
* Oversees the day-to-day implementation of the project by tracking
progress on volunteer recruitment and data collection.
* Presents on the Breeding Bird Atlas project and demonstrates eBird to a
variety of technical and nontechnical audiences.
* Recruits and oversees regional coordinators and project volunteers around
New York.
* Develops scopes of work for contracts and cooperative agreements and
administers those agreements.
* Trains groups of birders in project methodology and connects interested
birders to other participants.
* Works with eBird team to visualize and summarize Atlas data for a variety
of audiences.
* Reports to project Steering Committee at regular meetings and provides
periodic progress reports to NYS DEC.
* Works with project Steering Committee to identify and pursue additional
funding opportunities.
* Assists Steering Committee and subcommittees with development of field
and reporting methodology.
* Drum up enthusiasm for this large citizen science effort.
* Develops and disseminates atlas materials.
* Provide frequent public presentations.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s Degree in ornithology, wildlife biology or management,
zoology, conservation biology, natural history, natural resources,
environmental science, forestry, biology, ecology, environmental education, or
related field.
* Expertise in eastern bird identification in the field by sight and sound.
* Experience in avian observational and/or survey methods.
* Project management and coordination experience
* Strong communication skills (written and oral) to clearly articulate
vision and plans, and provide instruction effectively.
* Prioritize activities and multitask.
* Travel throughout NYS; must have valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Connections with the birding community in New York.
* Connections with New York State government agencies and non-government
organizations with land management or wildlife management responsibilities.
* Proficiency with mobile and desktop versions of eBird.
* Familiarity with the status and distribution of eastern birds, especially
New York.
* Familiarity with atlasing methodology.
* Experience with ArcMap or related computer mapping products.
* Experience with web design, social media, and other outreach tools.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
* May travel throughout New York State conducting field work and may work
in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous
terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances, in isolated settings.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Although applications will be accepted until the
position is filled, candidates should submit their application by September 3,
2018 to ensure optimal consideration.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Employment application is required to be submitted
on-line at http://www.esf.edu/hr/ Attach cover letter, curriculum vitae,
resume, and contact information for three employment references.
In accordance with the “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act” institutions of higher education are required to
prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and
campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years
concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus
buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within,
or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also
includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies
concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of
this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by
accessing the following web site: http://www.esf.edu/univpolice/crimereports/
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer, the Research Foundation
will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race,
color, religion, sex, national origin and veteran or disability status
