Research Foundation - Zoologist (Research Scientist)

Title: Research Scientist

Descriptive Title: Zoologist

Department: New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000, depending on qualifications

PROGRAM BACKGROUNDThe 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.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Zoologist participates as a team member on various projects (particularly those involving field inventories) and serves as the primary zoologist for one or more of these projects, with a focus on insects and other invertebrates. They are responsible for various project-related tasks, including project planning, landscape analyses, field surveys for rare animal species, literature reviews, element occurrence record transcription, and report preparation. They assist in the development of the zoological components of the NY Natural Heritage databases. The Zoologist oversees one or more contractors and serves as the project manager for one or more projects. They may serve as a mentor for other staff on activities on which they have expertise and may supervise seasonal technicians.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

• Field Work: Conduct landscape analyses to assess ecological integrity and identify potential inventory sites using remote sensing data, other digital and hard-copy data layers, and information from scientific literature, government agencies, and knowledgeable individuals. Conduct field surveys to document rare animal species in project areas using the methods and techniques developed by the Natural Heritage Network and other experts.
• Manage & Coordinate Projects: Serve as project manager for projects by coordinating the work of NY Natural Heritage staff and contractors working on the project and training contractors as needed. Review contracts, administer project budgets, and act as a liaison to project sponsors in coordination with the Chief Zoologist and Director. Present project overviews at conferences and meetings and write periodic progress reports and final reports as needed.
• Conservation Status Ranking: Assist the Chief Zoologist in maintaining the Element State Ranking database for animals, including the completion of state ranking fields.
• Database Management: Assist the Chief Zoologist in the management of rare animal information through the review/development of element occurrence specifications, element occurrence ranks, and population of the characterization abstracts database for rare animal species, and maintenance of the rare animal element files. Transcribe, update, map, and quality control rare animal element occurrence records.
• Innovation: Participate in the ongoing development of new tools, methods, processes, and techniques that improve the collection, storage, interpretation, dissemination, and application of NY Natural Heritage information.
• Communications: Communicate the role of the NY Natural Heritage Program in the conservation of New York's biodiversity, and explain the utility of inventories and landscape analyses to partners and potential clients. In collaboration with the Chief Zoologist and Director, communicate regularly with key project partners and others to maintain strong partnerships and facilitate effective conservation.
• Fundraising: Assist in the identification and development of funding proposals that will improve the NY Natural Heritage Program's effectiveness at facilitating conservation.
• Information Requests: Respond to requests for zoological information from the NY Natural Heritage database and provide interpretation, as needed.
• Mentor: Serve as a mentor for other staff on activities on which they have particular expertise, through in-house training sessions and collaboration on project activities. May supervise seasonal technicians.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate degree in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife ecology, wildlife management, or bachelor's degree and minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Experience in using common software applications (e.g., Word, Access, Excel, Web browsers, ArcGIS).
• Experience working with other parties to obtain data.
• Experience in collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting large datasets and preparing reports and scientific papers of findings.
• Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information to influence conservation practice.
• Willingness to travel throughout New York for field work and meetings as appropriate.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates with background and experience in conservation methodology and expertise in insects and other invertebrates.
• Course work and/or field experience indicating knowledge of a wide range of species of New York State, or comparable work in another state, or research experience.
• Creating or assisting in creating and using databases for data entry and report production. GIS mapping and analysis. R for data manipulation and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with both standard survey methods and animal species identification.
• Zoological field work study design, planning, and implementation including field experience

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

• The Zoologist may work in variable weather conditions in the field, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may
• require physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
• require occasionally working in the early morning and late at night

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.

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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.