WNY PRISM is hiring!

We are currently accepting applications for a Field Crew Leader (1), Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators (up to 11) and Lead Stewards (2), Invasive Species Management Assistants (3) and an Education & Outreach Assistant (1).

Field Crew Leader

WNY PRISM is seeking a Field Crew Leader to assist with the successful implementation of WNY PRISM field activities and to provide supervision for seasonal staff. WNY PRISM works on high priority invasive species management projects involving prevention, early detection and rapid response, management, and habitat restoration for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Projects involve multiple partners and represent the diversity of environmental interests and unique habitats across the region. The WNY PRISM Field Crew Leader will work with the Terrestrial Program Manager, and additional Program Managers, to coordinate and implement invasive species management projects involving invasive species surveys, site monitoring, invasive species removal and habitat/native plant restoration projects throughout the 8-county WNY PRISM region. 

​This is a full-time, temporary position with an expected timeframe of March 31 – October 10, 2025 (40 hours/week, $23.00/hour), with the possibility of extension contingent upon funding. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required, and some projects may require 10-hour days – will not go over 40 hours/week. Some overnight travel, as well as use of personal vehicles, will also be required.

Position comes with paid holidays and sick leave and is based out of the WNY PRISM Office on the SUNY Buffalo State University Campus in Buffalo, NY.

Please see full job description and apply online at: https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp.

The deadline for applications is Friday, February 7, 2025. Please provide cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Questions about this position may be directed to Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager, hernonba@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls, please.

Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators

The WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Steward Program is designed to prevent the transport, spread and establishment of aquatic invasive species while increasing public awareness of this threat. WNY PRISM Watercraft Inspection Steward/Environmental Educators (Stewards) are an essential component of this program and will represent WNY PRISM while working toward improving environmental health. Stewards will interact daily with the public at boat launches performing boat inspections to remove visible aquatic plants and animals from all types of watercraft and will be responsible for public education and distribution of educational materials. Removal of aquatic plants and animals will help to prevent the transport and spread of aquatic invasive species. Stewards will also have the opportunity to assist with invasive species survey and removal projects, such as early detection/rapid response and control efforts, to monitor and reduce established populations of both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. This is a field position and candidates should expect to spend the majority of their time outdoors.

Stewards will be assigned to a single, primary launch; however, coverage needs may require occasional travel to other launches. Stewards are required to attend a mandatory, two-day training prior to beginning work at their assigned launches.

List of boat launches:

• Amherst Veterans Canal Park (Buffalo)
• Black Rock Canal (Buffalo)
• Ohio Street (Buffalo)
• Niawanda Park (City of Tonawanda)
• Sturgeon Point (Town of Evans)
• Botanical Gardens Park (North Tonawanda)
• Gratwick-Riverside Park (North Tonawanda)
• West Canal Park and Marina (North Tonawanda)
• Griffon Park (Niagara Falls)
• Olcott Harbor (Olcott)
• Hanover Town Launch (Irving)
• Onoville Marina (Steamburg)
• Cuba Lake (Cuba)

To view the boat launches on a map, please visit WNY PRISM’s Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program page.

WNY PRISM is also hiring 2 Lead Stewards. Lead Stewards will assist the Program Manager with training, scheduling, supervision and reporting for the Watercraft Inspection Stewardship Program.

This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week, $20.00/hr., Leads @ $21.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 20, 2025 – September 1, 2025 (Memorial Day – Labor Day) for Stewards, and May 12, 2025 – September 12, 2025, for Lead Stewards. All Stewards will be required to attend the two-day mandatory training in May (Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21, 2025). The standard work week will be comprised of 4, 10-hour days, Thursday – Sunday, 7:00 – 5:30.

Weekends and Holidays are mandatory. Housing is not provided. WNY PRISM is hiring 2 Lead Stewards and up to 11 Stewards.

Please see full job description and apply online at: https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp. Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning Monday, March 3, 2025. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide a cover letter, resume and 3 professional references – combined into a single document and submitted as a single attachment with your online application. Please indicate your launch preferences and if you are interested in a Lead Steward position in your cover letter. We can’t guarantee you will be offered your first choice of launches.

Questions can be directed to Nick Farese, Project Manager at faresenv@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls please.

**Please clearly indicate launch preferences and which position(s) you are applying for **

Invasive Species Management Assistants

The WNY PRISM Invasive Species Management Assistants (3) will work closely with the WNY PRISM Terrestrial Program Manager, Field Crew Leader and partners to implement invasive species prevention, early detection, management, and habitat restoration projects within the 8-county WNY PRISM region. The selected candidates will conduct invasive species surveys and assessments, assist with priority invasive species removal and restoration projects, provide project reports and may assist with outreach events such as tabling at farmers’ markets. Invasive species removal efforts will include use of both manual and chemical (herbicide) methods. This is primarily a field position, and the selected candidates can expect to spend the majority of their time working outdoors in remote locations and will experience inclement weather conditions. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.

This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $21.00/hr.) with an expected timeframe of May 5, 2025 – September 26, 2025 (21 weeks). Weekend and evening hours, as well as occasional overnight travel, may be required.

Please see full job description and apply online at: https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 3, 2025. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide cover letter, resume and 3 professional references – combined into a single document and submitted as a single attachment with your online application. Questions about this position may be directed to Brittany Hernon, Terrestrial Program Manager, hernonba@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls, please.

Education and Outreach Assistant

The WNY PRISM Education and Outreach Assistant will work closely with WNY PRISM staff and partners to implement and expand our education, outreach and community science programs, and will report directly to the WNY PRISM Community Science and Engagement Program Manager. Education and community engagement efforts are essential to the success of the partnership and are integrated into nearly all aspects of WNY PRISM’s work. The selected candidate will assist with events, workshops and trainings, manage WNY PRISM social media accounts, capture photo and video content, prepare e-newsletters, maintain detailed records, assist with WNY PRISM’s volunteer program, develop educational materials and website content and communicate with volunteers, partners and the public. In addition, the Education and Outreach Assistant will assist with invasive species management activities such as invasive species surveys, removal and habitat restoration projects, as needed. WNY PRISM seeks highly motivated candidates with the education and experience necessary to succeed.

This is a full-time, temporary position (40 hours/week @ $21.00/hour), with an expected timeframe of May 5, 2025 – September 26, 2025 (21 weeks). The Education and Outreach Assistant will work Tuesday – Saturday, with Sunday/Monday off. Some evening hours will be required.

Please see full job description and apply online at: https://www.rfhiring.com/jobs.asp. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 3, 2025. Please follow all application directions, failure to do so may disqualify you from the position. Please provide a cover letter, resume, 3 professional references and one writing sample – combined into a single document and submitted as a single attachment with your online application. Questions can be directed to Rachel Taylor, Community Science and Engagement Program Manager at taylorrm@buffalostate.edu. No phone calls please.

Internships

WNY PRISM provides opportunities for students in need of an internship to fulfill class requirements, or for others looking for professional experience as they prepare for their careers. These are unpaid positions.

Interns are accepted for spring semester only (Jan – May), but applications are accepted throughout the preceding fall semester, beginning in September. The application deadline for consideration is January 10. Applications are considered as they are received and positions may be filled prior to the application deadline.

To apply, interested students must submit a resume, internship requirements (if applicable) and a project idea or description of the type of project they are interested in. The project proposal should include the reason for your interest in the specific project and/or in WNY PRISM and invasive species management, and should be no longer than a single page. WNY PRISM can’t guarantee we’ll be able to support your specific project, but if selected into the intern program, staff will work with you to find a similar project that meets both your interest and WNY PRISM needs.

WNY PRISM is hosted by the Great Lakes Center at Buffalo State University, but the program is open to everyone.

For more information, please contact Andrea Locke, WNY PRISM Coordinator at lockeas@buffalostate.edu.

*Additional job opportunities with our partners are distributed through the WNY PRISM Listserv. For details on how to sign-up for our Listserv, please click here.