[APWG] JOB: Aquatic Invasive Species in NYC DEC

[Kwong, Olivia]

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From: Surprenant, Leslie J (DEC) <leslie.surprenant at dec.ny.gov>
Date: Wed, Mar 18, 2015 at 9:51 AM
Subject: AIS Position in NYS DEC -

 All –



FYI, DEC will be announcing an opening to fill a new position for a
Research Scientist 2 (Grade 22) at NYS DEC in this unit to address aquatic
invasive species. The position is to be posted on Monday 3/23 on DEC’s
website here: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/27863.html    Summary of job is
below:



*Please share this with potential candidates. *



Thanks.



All the best -



Leslie




Leslie Surprenant

Leader, Invasive Species Coordination Unit



*New York State Department of Environmental Conservation*

Division of Lands and Forests

5th Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4250



518-402-8980 | leslie.surprenant at dec.ny.gov

www.dec.ny.gov





 ~~~~~~~~~~



The job description summary follows:



*Invasive Species Coordination Unit Overview: *



The Invasive Species Coordination Unit (ISCU) in the Division of Lands and
Forests is responsible for coordinating New York State’s comprehensive
approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs
through partnering with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation
organizations, diverse public-private invasive species partnerships and
more. Major efforts include: prevention and early detection of invasive
species, facilitating rapid response, coordinating and managing delivery of
research services and projects, and supporting project implementation,
remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques.
ISCU coordinates eight landscape level private-public Partnerships for
Regional Invasive Species Management, a statewide GIS mapping invasive
species database, the NY Invasive Species Research Institute, a statewide
education and outreach framework, and an online “library” for invasive
species. This Unit led the rule making that established New York’s first
lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species that were developed
through science-based ecological risk assessments. The ISCU established the
New York Invasive Species Research Institute (NYISRI), in partnership with
Cornell University, and works closely with NYISRI to identify research
needs and best potential Primary Investigators. State-funded research on
managing AIS currently in progress includes research to test host
specificity of a potential biological control agent for Water Chestnut
(Traps natans) and testing potential decontamination methods and materials
for boats.  While the ISCU was established to address all taxa of invasive
species, this unit expends well over half of its available staff time and
funding resources to address aquatic invasive species (AIS) including
participating on a Department team crafting New York’s Aquatic Invasive
Species Management Plan. The ISCU also serves as liaison to the NY Invasive
Species Council (NYISC; established in statute; nine State agencies co-lead
by Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets)
and the NY Invasive Species Advisory Committee (established in statute to
advise the NYISC; 25 non-governmental entities).



Position Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree and three years of professional research experience in
aquatic biology; or a Master's Degree in aquatic biology and two years of
professional research experience in that field; or a doctorate degree in
aquatic biology. Strong written and oral communication, organization and
project management skills are required. Degrees held must be related to
aquatic biology, natural resources, or environmental studies.



Area of Specialty is Aquatic Biology; and preference will be given to
candidates who possess academic credentials and experience in the following
fields; Ecological risk assessment; AIS research, detection, and
prevention.



Highlights of duties:



Under the technical and administrative supervision of the Invasive Species
Coordination Unit Leader, Biologist 3 (Ecology), the successful candidate
will be responsible for the following activities:



Assess Risk 30%

•             Identify and evaluate risks associated with AIS introduction
pathways.

•             Identify specific AIS most likely to be introduced into and
moved within NYS and evaluate risks to New York’s natural, economic, and
human health associated with those AIS.

•             Develop effective qualitative assessment tools that can be
used by agencies and partners to help identify the risk of AIS introduction
to particular waters and watersheds and the nature and amplitude of
negative impacts associated with the AIS introduction



Coordinate and Evaluate AIS Research Funded by the Department 25%

•             Coordinate AIS research projects funded by Department.

•             Work with State and Federal agencies, NY Invasive Species
Research Council, and researchers to identify gaps in knowledge and
additional research needs

•             Conduct literature searches and communicate with researchers
to gain a working knowledge of efficacy, safety, feasibility, and practical
applications of materials, equipment, and techniques to prevent the spread
of AIS

•             Coordinate with NY Invasive Species Research Institute to
assembler a web-based catalogue of research on AIS, Primary Investigators,
and contacts

•             Coordinate with NYS AIS Plan workgroup, IS Council agencies,
and partners to help support and deliver research-related actions
identified in the NY Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan



Prevention Methods and Best Management Practices 20%

•             Identify and evaluate mechanisms such as boat wash stations
to prevent AIS transport by various vectors including boats

•             Develop practical Best Management Practices for State agency
programs and others, performance standards, and metrics for various AIS
vectors



AIS Survey, Detection, Rapid Response and Monitoring 15%

•             Conduct literature searches and communicate with researchers
to identify best AIS identification and detection approaches, methods, and
technologies

•             Develop standard monitoring metrics and standards for AIS

•             Evaluate NY and other states’ responses to AIS and assess
outcomes for proposed projects; inform future responses by communicating
expected outcomes and setting appropriate expectations

•             Develop restoration plans for aquatic ecosystems negatively
impacted by AIS to support native species



Information Sharing and Collaborations 10%

•             Serve as expert lecturer and contributor in professional
conferences and provide professional presentations on AIS topics to diverse
audiences.

•             Serve as science advisory staff to NYS AIS Plan work group

•             Develop technical reports and white papers, publish findings,
as appropriate. Communicate and work with NYISRI and academic institutions
to inform such reports and findings.
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