Research Foundation - Research Support Specialist - Chestnut Project Outreach

Location: Syracuse, NY Category: Research Foundation Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Tue Mar 31 2026 Job Description:Title: Research Support SpecialistDescriptive Title: Chestnut project outreach specialist and assistant field managerUnit: Environmental BiologySalary: $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 ProjectResponding to inquiries from public about the Chestnut ProjectEstablishing chestnut plantings with partner organizations for education and researchAssisting Chestnut Project field manager with:Care and planting of chestnut treesMaintenance of greenhouses and research plotsSupervising undergraduatesTraining, prioritizing tasks, and serving as role model for undergraduate field assistantsFollowing and demonstrating safe working practicesJob Requirements:Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, science communication, or related fieldRelevant experience in biology, ecology, and/or environmental educationAbility to work outdoors in all weather conditionsValid driver's license and vehicle for transportationExcellent public speaking skillsPreferred Qualifications:Degree or experience in environmental education/interpretationDemonstrated experience communicating scientific concepts to non-scientific audiencesBackground or experience in ecology, forest pathology, or molecular biologyExperience working with trees in greenhouse and field settingsExperience with powered field equipment such as tractors, chainsaws, trimmers, mowers, etc.Willingness to work in aerial lifts and orchard ladders for tree pollinationAdditional 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.phpSUNY 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.phpAs 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.