Science Stewardship Coordinator

SCIENCE & STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR

Reports to: VP Estuary & Education           

Hours/Week: Full Time, 37.5 Hours                                      

FLSA: Non-Exempt

This position will support the administration and field work associated with active research and habitat enhancement projects in Hudson River Park (the “Park). The Science & Stewardship Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the logistics, scheduling and reporting related to Park research, long-term monitoring plans, and visiting scientists. Keen attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and strong communication skills will be necessary to help coordinate the many moving pieces of such projects with other internal departments, external partners and regulatory agencies to ultimately further the Trust’s mission of enhancing, protecting and being a steward of the Hudson River Park Estuarine Sanctuary (the “Sanctuary”). The Science & Stewardship Coordinator will also support the Trust’s Science Leadership Program, which empowers high school and college interns to grow into STEM leaders. 

Background:

The Trust is a public benefit corporation and a 501(c)(3) charitable organization created by act of the New York State Legislature. The mission of the Trust is to design, construct, maintain and operate a heavily used four-mile-long waterfront park and Sanctuary on Manhattan’s west side. The Park is also financially self-supporting, generating its operating budget from commercial tenants and permittees located within the Park’s boundaries as well as from grants, sponsorships, donations and other sources.

The Trust has adopted an Estuarine Sanctuary Management Plan (“ESMP”) and 2021-2030 Action Agenda summarizing goals and objectives in three areas: research & habitat enhancement, environmental education and public access & resource management. The Trust identified research and habitat enhancement as an area of particular growth over the next decade. Since 2021, the Trust has installed 35 million restored juvenile oysters in Park waters and launched two long term monitoring programs. The Trust collaborates with numerous institutions to advance goals identified in the ESMP, but also initiates, seeks funding for, and conducts its own research initiatives, including projects focused on such topics as fish ecology, oyster health, water quality, pathogens, environmental DNA and plastic pollution. The Science & Stewardship Coordinator will help manage the complex schedules, technical needs, permitting requirements and quality control measures associated with these and other projects to achieve research and habitat enhancement goals. On a day-to-day basis, the Science & Stewardship Coordinator will work closely with the Park’s Senior Research Manager to plan, schedule and oversee Park research, restoration and visiting scientist field work logistics, triaging when necessary, to meet project outcomes. This position will also help oversee internship related science projects and partners, requiring strong leadership, time management, teamwork, and writing skills.

Responsibilities:

·        Work proactively and as assigned with scientific partners including local universities, environmental consultants, government agencies and non-profits to accomplish research and habitat enhancement goals in the Trust’s Estuarine Sanctuary Management Plan. Associated tasks will include managing and coordinating site logistics, timelines, permitting, resources and reporting with other Trust departments, partners and Park tenants

·        Analyze, report and disseminate relevant scientific data with research partners and participate in public programming, conferences, and workshops to share Park research with stakeholders

·        Facilitate and implement long-term monitoring plans in accordance with regulatory and grant requirements while meeting required procurement guidelines

·        Assist with Trust permits and certifications for the collection, possession and research of estuarine wildlife and support all associated aspects of scientific research efforts as needed

·        Identify key research stories and findings to share updates on Park social media channels and website ensuring the Park data and research is publicly available

·        Coordinate and manage logistics for annual Estuarine Sanctuary Management Plan meetings and related progress tracking and reporting to the Park’s Technical Advisory Committee

·        Help with efforts to secure and manage research-related grant opportunities that expand collaborations and the Park’s science initiatives, including drafting applications and reports, preparing grant-related budgets, executing procurements, and tracking reports and deadlines

·        Manage the CUNY-HRPT Research Alliance Scholar program through leading annual proposal updates, coordination with CUNY, competitive selection processes, scholar on-boarding, and in Park research and reporting

·        Support the Park’s Science Leadership Program, including overseeing science project implementation, analysis, and development of quality research deliverables

·        Support other departmental and Trust duties as assigned

Education & Experience Requirements:

·        Master’s Degree preferred in Environmental Science, Marine Science, Biology, Natural Resource Management or a related field

·        2 years of relevant research or restoration project management experience

·        Familiarity conducting marine research and restoration, preferably in an urban setting

·        Demonstrated mentorship and leadership skills 

·        Strong written, data analysis, verbal communications skills, and interpersonal skills

·        Ability to work independently and as a part of a team, multitask, and problem solve

·        Interest in working outside year-round and comfort conducting research and programming activities on and near the water utilizing floating docks and research vessels

·        Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when required

·        Ability to lift around 30 pounds is required

·        A valid driver’s license is required

Compensation & Benefits: Competitive salary of $62,000 - $67,000 annually depending upon qualifications.  Excellent benefits package including: paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal time, medical, dental and vision insurance, and participation in New York State Retirement System.

Application Process: Interested applicants are to submit a resume and cover letter to the Director of Human Resources to: resumes@hrpt.ny.gov. Indicate Job Code: 2025 Science & Stewardship Coordinator in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please.

More information on the Hudson River Park is available at: www.hudsonriverpark.org 

The Hudson River Park Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.