Hudson River Habitat Restoration Biologist-New York

Organization: NYS DEC Regional Marine Habitat Protection Program and Hudson River Estuary Program

Position Title: Hudson River Habitat Restoration Biologist

Location: New York

Hours and Compensation: Not listed.

Application Deadline: April 22, 2014.

 

Job Description:

Position Summary: Provide project support, review and oversight services to NYS DEC for habitat restoration projects spanning 100 miles of the Hudson River estuary.

Position Details: The habitat restoration biologist will support NYS DEC Regional Marine

Habitat Protection Program and Hudson River Estuary Program staff in the review and

oversight of all aspects of planning, design, construction, implementation, and monitoring

of brackish marsh restoration, green infrastructure development, side channel restoration,

oyster restoration, and other habitat enhancement projects on the Hudson River estuary.

Key responsibilities will include:

‐ Review and comment on feasibility, design, monitoring, and public outreach

documents, including, but not limited to: plans, feasibility studies, data products, GIS

databases, construction drawings, monitoring protocols, planting schedules, interim

reports, and final reports;

‐ Make field visits to restoration and reference sites and collect field data during all

project phases, including feasibility assessment, site baseline characterization,

design, construction, and post‐construction monitoring;

‐ Develop written assessments, field reports, literature reviews, meeting summaries,

and other documents;

‐ Attend and provide support for meetings related to habitat restoration projects, and

represent NYS DEC at public meetings and events related to mitigation projects;

‐ Maintain liaison with other NYS and federal agency partners, knowledgeable

scientific advisors, and stakeholders to facilitate awareness of and concurrence with

project design, construction and monitoring approach;

‐ Promote use of best practices according to the Society for Ecological Restoration in

the implementation of mitigation projects; and

‐ Support other habitat restoration, enhancement, and management initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

 Bachelor’s degree in relevant environmental science

 5+ years of experience in aquatic habitat restoration, ecological management,

fisheries biology, wetlands ecology, or other relevant environmental field

 Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including some evenings

 Ability to swim, paddle canoe up to two miles, lift up to 50 pounds, and hike up to

three miles over irregular and wet terrain, and willingness to work in adverse field

and weather conditions

 Valid driver’s license

 Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

 Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking

 Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with team members, agency staff,

advisors, and stakeholders

Preferred Skills/Experience:

 MS in habitat restoration, biology, ecology, fisheries, marine science or similar field

 Recent work experience in the Hudson River estuary

 Wetlands assessment, delineation, or restoration experience

 Tidal wetlands, oyster restoration, and/or aquatic habitat restoration experience

 Knowledge of aquatic species habitat requirements

 Boat operation experience and skill

 Project management experience

 Environmental compliance monitoring experience

 Construction observation experience

 Proficiency with ArcGIS

Project Funding and Duration: This position is funded through the Natural Heritage

Trust (NHT)* and the selected candidate will be an employee of the NHT with work

conducted under the supervision of DEC. There is currently a three‐year funding

commitment; this may be increased for a longer duration or shortened based on program

needs and availability of funds.

To apply:

To Apply: Please email a letter of interest, resume, and names and contact information for

three professional references to [email protected] by April 22, 2014. Please insert

the words “Restoration Biologist” in the subject line.

*The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is a New York State public benefit corporation.

Established in 1968, the Trust’s mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants, and

contributions to further public programs for parks, recreation, conservation, waterfront

revitalization, and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York. The NHT is

governed by a four‐member board comprised of the Commissioner of State Parks, the Chair

of the State Council of Parks, the Commissioner of Environmental Conservation and the

Secretary of State. The NHT is an equal opportunity employer