"Lakekeeper"

Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):

Bachelor's Degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in one of the natural or physical sciences, environmental studies or a related field. Two (2) years of full-time experience in environmental quality, limnology, biology, marine biology and/or environmental protection programs with demonstrated environmental improvement. Experience in environmental quality, limnology, Biology, Marine Biology and/or environmental protection programs. Experience with organizing and analyzing large data sets. Experience in writing reports. Experience with public speaking. Must have, keep and maintain the appropriate valid NYS Driver's License; have a motor vehicle record which is free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations. (***Out-of-State Applicants, see "Special Notes").

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with Geographic Information Systems / geospatial analysis. Experience in writing reports for public entities. Experience in grant writing. Success in obtaining grants.

Brief Description of Duties:

The Lakekeeper will work under the direction of Principal Investigator Christopher Gobler in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and will be responsible for the research, grant writing, and community engagement for environmental quality and improvement programs impacting Lake Ronkonkoma. The incumbent must be able to manage diversified projects and exercise independent judgment and demonstrate initiative. The incumbent is responsible for representing its interests and providing consultation to stakeholders, agencies and legislative bodies regarding projects or aid programs.

Responsibilities will include:

Fieldwork & Research

• Coordinate and conduct water quality monitoring and water pollution control activities with other agencies and/or municipalities involved in environmental clean-ups which may impact Lake Ronkonkoma and may be exacerbated by extreme storms and flooding.
• Launch unified stormwater mapping within the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed.
• Monitor proposed legislation, budgets and regulations at the Federal and State level affecting funding programs and analyze the impacts of the proposals on Lake Ronkonkoma.
• Create, follow, and maintain a DEC-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) before undertaking any work.
• Identify water quality improvement projects for Lake Ronkonkoma.
• Compile monthly progress reports towards the approved work plan.
• Compile annual reports.

Grant Writing

• Provides technical assistance to stakeholders and agencies submitting grant applications; reviews applications to avoid duplication and to assess impacts.
• Prepare and submit federal, state, and local grants to implement water quality projects.
• Prepare applications for funding assistance through grant programs and prepare contracts when outside agencies oversee funded projects.

Community Engagement Launch a Lake Steward Internship Program

• Research all appropriate materials and literature related to federal and state aid programs and disseminate information to stakeholders or agencies at the local level.
• Collaborate with other jurisdictions in the area in promoting legislation and policies at the federal and state level beneficial to Lake Ronkonkoma
• Serve as point of contact for public complaints relating to illicit discharges to Lake Ronkonkoma.
• Present and speak at public meetings.

Other duties as assigned.

Special Notes:

The Research Foundation of SUNY is a private educational corporation. Employment is subject to the Research Foundation policies and procedures, sponsor guidelines and the availability of funding. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.

For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.

***Out-of-State Applicants: Please note as a condition of employment and in order for this position to be tendered, the successful incumbent will be required to provide evidence of a valid license and driving abstract from the state issuing the license within five business days of a conditional offer and must obtain a NYS driver's license within 30 days of start date.

Evening and weekend work will be required at times.

Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.