What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Foundation - Research Support Specialist - Chestnut Project Outreach position at SUNY ESF?
Title: Research Support Specialist
Descriptive Title: Chestnut project outreach specialist and assistant field manager
Unit: Environmental Biology
Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 annually Depending on Qualifications (position ideally filled by May 1, 2026)
Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Giving educational tours/presentations about ESF's Chestnut Project
Responding to inquiries from public about the Chestnut Project
Establishing chestnut plantings with partner organizations for education and research
Assisting Chestnut Project field manager with:
- Care and planting of chestnut trees
- Maintenance of greenhouses and research plots
- Supervising undergraduates
Training, prioritizing tasks, and serving as role model for undergraduate field assistants
Following and demonstrating safe working practices
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, science communication, or related field
- Relevant experience in biology, ecology, and/or environmental education
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Valid driver's license and vehicle for transportation
- Excellent public speaking skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Degree or experience in environmental education/interpretation
- Demonstrated experience communicating scientific concepts to non-scientific audiences
- Background or experience in ecology, forest pathology, or molecular biology
- Experience working with trees in greenhouse and field settings
- Experience with powered field equipment such as tractors, chainsaws, trimmers, mowers, etc. Willingness to work in aerial lifts and orchard ladders for tree pollination
Additional Information:
In accordance with the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-470-6667 or by accessing the following web site: https://www.esf.edu/safety/annual-security-reports.php
SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at https://www.esf.edu/employees/policies/policy-smoking.php
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.
The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
Salary : $50,000 - $55,000