Biological Field Technician

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Through its visionary leadership and high impact staff, the Natural Areas Conservancy champions urban natural areas in New York City and across the nation through innovative research, partnerships, and advocacy. Started in 2012, the Natural Areas Conservancy is the first park conservancy dedicated exclusively to New York City’s natural areas–20,000 acres across all five boroughs. Since 2019, we have also worked on a national scale, leading a network of representatives from cities across the U.S. to strengthen research, information sharing, and communication efforts to enhance the field of urban forest management.

We want all people to feel welcomed, inspired by, and connected to the natural world.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

From 2013-2014 the Natural Areas Conservancy and NYC Parks conducted the first comprehensive ecological assessment of natural area parkland in NYC’s history. During this effort, 10,000 acres of freshwater wetlands, saltmarshes, and forests were assessed using methods suited for the distribution, characteristics, and known threats for each ecosystem type. The results from this project have been critical to citywide adaptive management efforts and have been used extensively to advocate for funding and protections for these valuable urban natural spaces. This data is now a decade old and rapidly losing relevance as our natural areas change due to pressure from climate change, extreme weather events, encroachment, and anthropogenic disturbance.

Beginning in 2024 a follow-up ecological assessment will commence, including field assessments of the same three ecosystem types. This project will be conducted in close partnership between the Natural Areas Conservancy and NYC Parks. This job posting is for team members for the forest assessment. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Biological Field Technician will report to the Supervising Field Biologist. The Biological Field Technician will work as part of a team responsible for collecting data in forest ecosystems across all five boroughs of NYC. This position is almost entirely field-based, with office days interspersed for inclement weather, data entry, and other tasks as needed. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collecting detailed, accurate ecological data on forest conditions in adherence with the ecological assessment data collection protocol
• Communicating effectively with their supervisor and team members to resolve any personnel or field issues in a timely manner
• Navigating to data collection locations using a Trimble R2 receiver & ArcGIS Field Maps
• Working long hours in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain
• Recording data on paper datasheets and conducting data entry
• Operating NYC Parks vehicles in a safe and lawful manner
• Participating in other assessment-related tasks as directed

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major study in environmental sciences, ecology, forestry, wildlife biology, botany, natural resources or related biological sciences
• A motor vehicle driver’s license valid in New York state
• Experience in plant identification, with a working knowledge of the flora of the northeastern U.S. 
• Ability to follow rigorous sampling protocols
• A positive attitude with enthusiasm for working outside and as part of a team
• At least one field season of experience collecting botanical data for scientific research
• Ability to hike to data collection locations while carrying field equipment weighing up to 30lbs

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with GPS units and navigation
• Familiarity with New York City natural areas

JOB LOCATION

Reporting location in New York City. Exact location TBD but will be accessible by public transportation. 

TERM

This is a seasonal position running from May 20, 2024- Sep 27, 2024

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $26.37/hr for 35 hours/week.