Oysters were the keystone species and original ecosystem engineers of New York Harbor. Oyster reefs once covered more than 220,000 acres of the Hudson River estuary. They provided valuable ecosystem services to the region by filtering water, providing habitat for other marine species and attenuating wave energy.
Today, oysters are functionally extinct in the Harbor as a result of over-harvesting, dredging and pollution. The absence of oysters has impaired our estuary’s ability to clean the water and absorb excess nitrogen; the loss of reefs has reduced protective habitat, destabilized the sea floor and left our shoreline vulnerable to destructive wave action.
The Billion Oyster Project aims to reverse these effects by bringing oysters and their reef habitat back to New York Harbor. Restoring oysters and reefs will, over time, restore the local marine ecosystem’s natural mechanisms for maintaining itself, resulting in cleaner water and greater biodiversity. Engaging students and the general public in this work will build a culture of stewardship and a more robust understanding and appreciation of the Harbor for future generations.
The Restoration Manager is responsible for managing the Billion Oyster Project‘s restoration projects. The Restoration Manager (RM) reports to the Billion Oyster Project Director and works to implement the in-water restoration aspects of the project. The RM works with Billion Oyster Project staff to manage the day-to-day operations of existing restoration activities and plan for the mid- and long-term expansion of restoration programs.
The RM will be responsible for all environmental and government permitting and will managing day-to-day operational tasks such as scheduling meetings; planning and executing boat-based oyster reef monitoring trips; and ensuring that existing grant funds are being properly managed. Planning for mid- and long-term expansion includes tasks such as developing new grant proposals and programs; fostering partnerships with government agencies, environmental organizations, and other partners; and preparing new environmental permit applications.
The Restoration Manager will work closely with Harbor School teachers, students, and administration as well as with external partners engaged in oyster restoration work. Accordingly, commitment to and experience or interest in education and working with public high school students is highly desirable. Candidate should be comfortable working around the water and on boats on scientific projects.
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Benefits: Employee is a full-time employee of New York Harbor Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Position is a full-time, year-round position and benefits include health insurance and paid vacation time.
[Photo credit: New York Harbor School]
See August 9, 2015 Wall Street Journal video on the Billion Oyster Project.