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Title: Research Scientist

Descriptive Title: Assistant Ecologist

Unit: New York Natural Heritage Program

Salary: $55,000 - $63,000 annual depending on qualifications

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

+ Assist staff ecologists and biologists 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. Assis

+ 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.

Job Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

+ 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.

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.

Additional Information:

SUNY-ESF and the Broader Community

ESF is a specialized college within the 64-campus SUNY system, and a Carnegie R2 "High Research Activity" Institution that consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review, and other national college guidebooks. With a total enrollment of about 2,200 undergraduates and 400 graduate students, combined with the immediate proximity of Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, ESF provides an intimate, small-college atmosphere within a vibrant, large-university setting. ESF's extended campuses include more than 25,000 acres of forest properties, both close to Syracuse and across the Adirondack Park, which provide numerous opportunities for experiential coursework, research, and public outreach.

Located on the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a small city in a rural region offering a diversity of natural and cultural amenities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life - ranking among the top 10 percent of "Best Places to Live" in "The Places Rated Almanac." Syracuse is situated with easy access to New York City, the Adirondack Park, Lake Ontario, and many other points of interest in the eastern United States and Canada.

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: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php

SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.

The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.