Ecologist - New York City, NY : Job Details

* ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES*

The Division of Environment and Planning aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City's green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group within Environment and Planning manages over 12,000 acres of natural areas across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, and has secured tens of millions of dollars of grant from state, federal and private sources over the past decades to fund the restoration and management across these ecosystems.

Major Responsibilities

* Under the direction of the Director of Research & Monitoring, with wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative, develop and implement monitoring, evaluation, and assessment projects aimed at improving protection, management and restoration of nature in NYC Parks.

* Manage the Research Permits Program, which involves coordination with multiple divisions within the agency to allow external partners to conduct research on NYC Parks properties, managing the research permits database, and advising partners on best practices for study design and site selection.

* Provide technical guidance in the development of ecological restoration designs based on available information and assist in the preparation of regulatory permits for in-house projects especially in regard to impacts on rare, threatened, or endangered species protection and management.

* Review designs and construction documents for Capital projects by Parks and other agencies as well as policy and plan proposals for potential impacts to parkland including the City's forests, wetlands and grasslands and individual species using parkland as habitat.

* Conduct comprehensive field surveys on diverse taxa across various habitats and environmental conditions. Utilize paper data sheets, tablet-based applications, and specialized technical equipment to gather accurate ecological data. Perform meticulous quality control to validate collected data, ensuring it is securely stored and systematically organized in line with best practices.

* Perform data analysis and summaries, produce final reports, and develop recommendations to support protection, conservation, and adaptive management across ecosystems. Translate scientific data and analyses for multiple audiences with a wide range of technical knowledge.

* Provide scientific expertise and assistance to Environment & Planning staff and collaborators, develop partnerships with potential project stakeholders -- including community groups and external researchers as appropriate -- and represent NYC Parks at interagency working groups related to natural resources protection and management.

* Supervise and mentor interns and field staff and provide training in data collection methodologies, data analysis and synthesis, and use of technical equipment.

* Prepare presentations and reports for funders, collaborators, the agency, and the public. Conduct literature reviews and draft summaries and briefings.

Work Location: Arsenal North, Manhattan

How to Apply

All Applicants:

Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 693148.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

* Current Employees please include your ERN and Job ID# 693148 on your cover letter and resume.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

Minimum Qualifications

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.

To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:

1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or

2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or

3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1 or 2 above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in 2 above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in 1 and 2 above.

NOTE:

Probationary Period

Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Preferred Skills

1. A master's degree with a specialization in biological or environmental science, conservation sciences and policy, natural resources management, or a related field. 2. 5 years of experience in a supervisory, administrative, or research capacity in ecology or a related field. 3. Knowledge of NYC fauna and expertise in at least one taxonomic group: e.g., ornithology, entomology, and/or fisheries & wildlife ecology. 4. Knowledge of NYC Parks agency structure and divisions and/or local, state, and federal government regulatory operations, including legal protections for rare, threatened and endangered species. 5. Demonstrated accomplishments in independent research in ecology, restoration, conservation biology, forestry or environmental science as evidenced by publications, thesis work, successful proposals, and/or presentations at research conferences and workshops. 6. Knowledge and experience in study design, data collection, and field research in a wide range of habitat and ecosystem types. Familiarity with a broad range of field methodologies, data management and analytical techniques and statistical analysis. 7. High level of competence with GIS and spatial analysis tools. 8. Familiarity with SQL, R, and other programming languages. 9. Excellent management, organizational, and communication skills and a proven track record of goal-based accomplishments. 10. Valid New York State Driver License.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam, or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.