Research Foundation - Assistant Ecologist/Botanist (...

Location: Albany, NY Category: Research Foundation Posted On: Tue Oct 7 2025 Job Description: Title: Senior Research Support Specialist Descriptive Title: Assistant Ecologist/Botanist Unit: New York Natural Heritage Program Location: Albany, NY 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 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES + Assist staff ecologists and botanists 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. + 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

Created: 2025-11-15