Biodiversity Data Researcher

Title:    Research Scientist

Descriptive Title:    Biodiversity Data Researcher         

Unit:   New York Natural Heritage Program

Duration:  Up to 18 months, ending by May 2027

Location:  Albany, NY      

Salary:  $60,000 - $70,000 annual depending on qualifications

NYNHP Short-Term Research Scientist Position
The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is seeking a Biodiversity Data Researcher to assess the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity for a short-term, project-based appointment. In collaboration with NYNHP science staff and regional invasive species managers, the Biodiversity Data Researcher will analyze decades of data collected on rare species, significant natural communities, and invasive species in New York State to quantify impacts to biodiversity and provide information to stakeholders that aids in strategic invasive species management decisions.

NYNHP has been documenting conditions of and threats to rare species and significant natural communities across the state for 40 years. NYNHP has also been managing invasive species data from all stakeholders for the state for 15 years. Throughout New York State, there are currently over 17,000 documented locations of rare species and over 350,000 observations of invasive species. An initial spatial analysis of these extensive spatial datasets shows that 28% of documented rare species occurrences are co-located with invasive species observations. However, not all species intersections will be impactful depending on species' biology or site-characteristics.

The Biodiversity Data Researcher will work collaboratively with NYNHP staff to design analytical approaches to assess the impacts of invasives on rare species and significant natural communities using NYNHP datasets and other data resources such as external observation databases, spatial datasets (such as aerial imagery), historical information (such as museum specimens), or quantitative field surveys. The researcher will also develop data products and management guidance, informed by analyses and the needs conveyed by an advisory group of stakeholders. Findings will be synthesized and published.  

NYNHP is a program of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) whose 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 and advancing the conservation of biodiversity. For more information visit www.nynhp.org. This position is based out of the DEC Central Office in Albany, NY, and provides access to SUNY-ESF resources remotely, such as library and software access. A hybrid work schedule can be considered.

Duties:

• Compile and analyze information on invasive species impacts to rare species from internal and public databases, scientific literature, site-based species lists and assessments, and other relevant sources.
• Develop analytical approaches to quantify impacts on rare species occurrences (and over time when available) and to prioritize conservation efforts.
• Convene meetings with NYNHP staff, regional invasive species managers, and other stakeholders throughout project to collaboratively refine goals and interpret results.
• Incorporate findings into accessible online tools for use by natural resource managers to protect rare species and significant natural communities.
• Develop additional products for field scientists and natural resource stewards such as 1) data collection methods for documenting invasive species impacts and native biodiversity recovery at management sites; and 2) compiling guidance for avoiding harm to sensitive native species while managing invasive species.
• Communicate results to stakeholders and the broader scientific community via presentations, research-to-practice reports, and peer-reviewed publications.

Requirements:
 

Required Qualifications:  

• Graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in ecology, conservation biology, landscape ecology, plant ecology, botany, natural resources, geography, forestry, or a related field.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting scientific data and large spatial datasets.
• Strong communication skills for synthesizing and presenting results to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of regional fauna and flora, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes, and their conservation needs.
• Self-motivation, with the ability to work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Experience translating scientific results into practical applications and communicating scientific information to broad audiences.
• Familiarity with desktop software and scripting languages for visualization, manipulation, and statistical analysis of spatial data (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, R, Python).
• Familiarity with online platforms for visualizing and sharing spatial data and maps (e.g., ArcGIS Online).
• Experience leading collaborative workgroups of stakeholders.

Working Conditions:  The Biodiversity Data Researcher will work primarily in an office setting. There may be some opportunities for limited fieldwork collecting data in natural areas.