Invasive Species Management Assistant

About WNY PRISM

The Western New York Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (WNY PRISM) is one of eight regional partnerships within New York State created to address the threat of invasive species and prevent or minimize the harm they cause to the environment, economy, and human health. This is accomplished through use of a coordinated partnership network for which we provide leadership, technical assistance and collaboration opportunities. Our goal is to improve, restore, and protect local aquatic and terrestrial resources by improving the effectiveness of invasive species management efforts, engaging the public in management actions, and increasing awareness of invasive species issues throughout the 8-county region. For more information about WNY PRISM and our programming, please visit www.wnyprism.org.

WNY PRISM is a sponsored program of the Research Foundation for SUNY Buffalo State University and is hosted by the Great Lakes Center. Funding for WNY PRISM is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund through a contract with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Position Description

The WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Assistants (3) will work closely with the WNY PRISM Terrestrial Program Manager, Field Crew Leader and partners to implement invasive species prevention, early detection, management, and habitat restoration projects within the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The selected candidates will conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with priority invasive species removal and restoration projects, provide project reports and may assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets. Invasive species removal efforts will include use of both manual and chemical (herbicide) methods. This is primarily a field position, and the selected candidates can expect to spend the majority of their time working outdoors in remote locations and will experience inclement weather conditions. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.

WNY PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience within all aspects of invasive species management. Individuals will meet and work with local environmental professionals and increase their skills and knowledge of invasive species ecology, invasive species management practices, data collection, project assessment, partnership coordination and public outreach.

Primary Responsibilities

• Assist with invasive species removal efforts including use of manual and chemical (herbicide) methods.
• Collect and maintain data for all survey and management activities using field data collection tools (GPS, tablets, etc.).
• Assist with habitat restoration efforts such as native plantings and seed collection.
• Provide detailed written reports on survey and management efforts and create project maps in ArcGIS Pro.
• Maintain stewardship equipment – clean and properly store stewardship equipment and report all issues to the Field Crew Leader.
• Represent WNY PRISM at community events including farmers’ markets, volunteer workdays, etc.
• Assist with outreach content for WNY PRISM website including news/blog articles and resource updates.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred).
• Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management.
• Experience with invasive species survey and removal methods.
• Invasive species and plant identification skills.
• Experience with detailed data collection and organization.
• Experience using and maintaining stewardship equipment including hand tools, herbicide applicators, brushcutters, etc.
• Ability to work outdoors in sometimes difficult conditions.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Work well both independently and in a collaborative setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working in a professional capacity.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 30-50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, bend, squat and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions – this is an outdoor position.

Travel Requirements

Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required. Use of personal vehicle will be required. When using a personal vehicle, employees will be reimbursed for approved work-related travel at the current rate of $0.67 per mile.

Job Details

This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $21.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 5, 2025 – September 26, 2025 (21 weeks). Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required.