NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY (NAC)- DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE

*BACKGROUND*
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. 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.
*
MAJOR 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 AND REQUIREMENTS*
1. A masters degree from an accredited college or equivalent
2. Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in natural resource management,
ecology, or a related field
3. Minimum of 5-10 years in a managerial or executive capacity

*PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS*
- 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.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume with the position title
to:
Bram Gunther,
Chief Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources
New York City Parks & Recreation
Olmsted Center, FMCP
Flushing, NY 11368
Email: bram.gunther@parks.nyc.gov
Fax: 718 760-6640

All resumes must be received no later than August 15, 2012