Director of Science – New York, NY

Organization: Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC)/NYC Parks Department

Job Title: Director of Science

Location: New York, NY

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Commensurate

Position Dates: Start ASAP

Application Deadline: August 15th, 2012

Posted On: July 27th, 2012

Organization Overview

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is a new organization created to work in partnership with the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to restore, protect, and manage a network of green and blue space that promotes a healthy, livable, and diverse New York City. The NAC is tasked with expanding and diversifying the protection, management, and restoration of 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands overseen by the Parks Department’s Natural Resources Group. This public/private partnership will unify the identity of NYC’s natural areas, increase public awareness and volunteerism, and integrate advanced technology.

Description

The Director of Science will bridge the public and private entities that conduct research and use science to inform policy and management of NYC Parks Department property. The Director of Science will guide the science work of the Parks Department’s divisions of Central Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources and will lead partnership efforts with NYC’s Urban Field Station and the Natural Areas Conservancy. This position will be hired by the Natural Areas Conservancy and will report to the Parks Department’s Chief of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the Parks Department’s science team, dedicated to conducting citywide research about ecology, conservation, restoration and best management practices.
• Develop and identify research goals, experiments and studies related, but not limited to mortality studies, plant population analytics, and hydrology and stormwater capture.
• Supervise the Senior Project Manager of Ecological Assessment, who will lead the first-ever citywide assessment of New York City’s natural areas and the creation and implementation of science-based decision making and management tools that will guide future natural resource conservation efforts for the Parks Department and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
• Serve as the co-manager of the Urban Field Station. Manage the facility and shape the research partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and the Parks Department to establish, coordinate and oversee scientific research projects in New York City.
• Work with the Parks Department’s senior staff to inform the restoration, protection and management of the City’s forests, wetlands and grasslands. Leverage these efforts to implement environmental monitoring programs and measure progress on the impact of agency’s efforts.
• Work closely with the Director of GIS and Analytics in the creation of relevant data management systems.
• Manage scientific communication, including research papers.
• Serve on the Science Advisory Board of the NAC.
• Cooperate with researchers and outside institutions, including but not limited to academic, non-profit, city, state and federal agencies, on research projects and data dissemination/coordination, and represent the agency and City as appropriate.
• Manage and oversee budget, procurement, and administrative reporting, database management and tracking, and training.

Qualifications

Requirements

• A masters degree from an accredited college or equivalent
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in natural resource management, ecology, or a related field
• Minimum of 5-10 years in a managerial or executive capacity

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

• A PhD with a specialization in physical, biological or environmental science.10 years of experience in supervisory, administrative or research capacity in ecology or a related field.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in independent research in ecology, restoration, habitat conservation, forestry, or environmental science as evidenced by peer reviewed journal publications, thesis work and/or presentations at research conferences and workshops.
• Knowledge and experience in design and execution of data collection and field research in a wide range of habitat and ecosystem types.
• Familiarity with a broad range of field methodologies, analytical approaches, methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of organizational development, Parks agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.
• Excellent management, administrative, supervisory, and communication skills.
• Proven track record of goals-based accomplishment.Extensive experience in fiscal and personnel management and contract management.
• Experienced public speaker
• Personal connections within the NYC/Northeast scientific community
• Knowledge of New York City’s natural areas.
• Valid New York State driver license.

How to Apply