Part-Time Research Technician

Title

Reports to

Part-Time Research Technician

Assistant Curator

Position Summary:

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) seeks a Part-Time Research Technician to support invasive species research, data management, and institutional policy implementation. This is a two-year position funded by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Invasive Species Grant Program.

The primary role of the Research Technician will be to study the introduction, spread, impacts, and management of invasive plants across the New York Botanical Garden, a unique landscape integrating cultivated collections, natural areas, and old-growth forest (the Thain Family Forest). The project leverages data from NYBG’s long-term forest monitoring program. Analyses will include assessing invasive plant introduction and establishment rates, as well as evaluating how invasive species removal has affected biodiversity in the Thain Family Forest. The Technician will also support NYBG’s cross-departmental Invasive Species Working Group and regional action on invasive species management and climate change (risccnetwork.org).

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Research: Compile and analyze historical and contemporary datasets from NYBG’s cultivated collections, the Thain Family Forest, and invasive species management records. Assess rates of introduction and spread, as well as how the timing and spatial distribution of invasive species control relates to invasive plant cover and native plant diversity.

• Data and Policy Management: Develop workflows for data management, statistical analysis, and visualization. Help align relevant NYBG plant and management data procedures with iMapInvasives. Support the internal Invasive Species Working Group with a variety of tasks, including developing and disseminating educational materials, interacting with the public, and other activities of interest to the Research Technician.

• Research Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare presentations and outreach materials to share research with institutional and regional partners. Contribute to activities of the Northeast Regional Invasive Species and Climate Change Management Network (https://www.risccnetwork.org/northeast)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in ecology, environmental science, botany, conservation, or a related field

• Experience organizing and analyzing ecological or other datasets.

• Familiarity or experience with statistical analysis; experience coding (R or Python), working with spatial data, and/or GIS is preferred.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and interest in translating research for scientific, practitioner, and public audiences.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

This position is primarily computer- and office-based, although the position may involve local field work. The role may include occasional travel for meetings and conferences.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Baseline Work Schedule:

• This is a two year, part-time role (20 hours/week)
• The specific weekly schedule will be established with the supervisor, with typical work hours scheduled on weekdays, 9am-5pm
• This position is eligible for hybrid work

Salary - $26/hour

Please submit a cover letter.