Environmental Research Coordinator

Title: Environmental Research Coordinator 
Department: Natural Areas
Job Type: Full-Time, 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday; minimal overtime; occasional weekends; Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $25.00-$29.80 per hour
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package 60 days following date of hire (health insurance, paid time off, free parking on site etc.)
Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035
 
position description

Randall’s Island Park Alliance’s (“RIPA”) Park-as-Lab is a research initiative that transforms Randall’s Island Park into a living laboratory. PAL unites scientists, advocates, and communities to encourage civic engagement, support STEM career pathways, and deepen understanding of New York City’s ecosystems. The program is guided by the motto “science for the people, by the people,” and aims to build more resilient communities through applied, inclusive research.
 
The Environmental Research Coordinator facilitates the PAL program, transforming urban park data into actionable knowledge, from research design and data collection to the interpretation and Application of findings. The Coordinator reports to the Director of Environmental Programs and works closely with departments across the organization, especially the Natural Areas, Urban Farm and Horticulture teams. The Environmental Research Coordinator’s core focus is transforming urban park data into actionable knowledge, from research design and data collection to the interpretation and application of findings. Drawing on both natural and social sciences, the Coordinator leads efforts to design and implement research that deepens understanding of how parks function, who parks serve and how that knowledge can drive better outcomes for communities and ecosystems alike. The Environmental Research Coordinator also partners with academic institutions and community organizations to ensure that research is scientifically rigorous, inclusive, and applied in ways that benefit parks and the communities they serve.
 
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, implementation, and analysis of data collection efforts across the park, drawing on both natural and social sciences to advance understanding of urban park systems and the communities they serve.
• Develop and refine research protocols and data collection methodologies that build PAL’s capacity and contribute to local and regional urban ecology efforts.
• Collaborate with researchers, academic institutions, and other partners utilizing Randall’s Island for scientific data collection, ensuring projects are well-coordinated and scientifically rigorous.
• Maintain accurate and organized research records and datasets, ensuring data integrity and continuity across projects and partners.
• Present research findings and program updates to community boards, environmental organizations, academic conferences, and other stakeholders, communicating results clearly to both technical and general audiences.
• Develop digital outreach materials and work with RIPA’s Communications team to convey research outcomes and recruit partners and participants across diverse communities.
• Support and promote citizen science initiatives, and share research findings publicly through the RIPA website, reports, and other communications channels to broaden the reach and impact of PAL’s work.
• Work across departments, including Natural Areas, Urban Farm, and Horticulture, to integrate data-driven insights into park programming and operations.
• Recruit, mentor, and supervise interns, student researchers, and volunteers, providing direction on research projects and fostering pathways into environmental and STEM careers.
• Support training and education for staff, volunteers, and community groups during stewardship and educational events, including evening and weekend programs as needed.
• Collaborate with the Development team on grant proposals and applications relevant to PAL programming, and complete thorough reporting as required by funders and partners.
• Support other departmental and organizational priorities as needed.
  This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental sciences or a related field.
• Two to three years of experience in environmental research, preferably in urban park systems, or community outreach.
• Demonstrated experience in research project design, implementation, and analysis, including the development of data collection protocols and methodologies.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Familiarity with local environmental systems, urban ecology, and relevant research and community organizations.
• Experience mentoring or supervising interns, student researchers, or volunteers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and geographic software such as ArcGIS or Google Earth.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as R or Python.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings to both technical and general audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly through the spring and summer seasons.
• Valid Driver License.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in environmental sciences or a related field.
• Three or more years of experience independently leading environmental research projects, from conception through analysis and dissemination.
• Experience publishing or presenting research findings at conferences or in peer-reviewed or public-facing publications.
• Demonstrated experience building and managing partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, or stakeholder collaborations.
• Familiarity with local and regional environmental organizations, research networks, and emerging trends in urban ecology and park management.
• Experience leading or managing citizen science programs, including participant recruitment, training, and data quality oversight.
• Advanced proficiency in GIS-based spatial analysis and/or data analysis tools such as R or Python, with the ability to independently manage and interpret complex datasets.
• Experience writing grant proposals and reporting on existing grants
  The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in a diverse and an inclusive workplace and environment