CALS- Field Assistant III- Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician- Biological and Environmental Engineering

Field Assistant III- Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician

As an individual contributor, you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is one of the largest of its kind in the country with a very diverse faculty, staff, and student population. The department serves three integrated functions: teaching undergraduate and graduate students, researching problems in biology and the environment, and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge.

The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) resides within CALS and BEE. Its mission is to improve the management of water resources in New York State and the nation. NYSWRI collaborates with regional, state, and national partners to increase awareness of emerging water resource issues and to develop and assess new water resource management approaches, technologies, and policies. NYSWRI connects water research and water management communities.

What We Need

This position represents a partnership between New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) and the Invasive Species Coordination Section (ISCS) of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Lands and Forests. The ISCS is responsible for coordinating New York State's comprehensive approach to all taxa of invasive species and for supporting programs via partnerships with state and federal agencies, academia, conservation organizations, private organizations, and the public. Major efforts include: prevention, early detection, facilitating responses, coordinating control and management projects at large-scales, coordinating and collaborating on research projects, remaining current on invasive species detection and management techniques, exploring active restoration actions.

The Technician will work throughout NYSDEC Region 6 under the supervision of the Region 6 AIS Coordinator on multiple aquatic invasive species monitoring and control projects, based out of the NYS DEC Region 6 Brownville Maintenance Center in Dexter, New York.

This position is a full-time (39 hours/week) position with a fixed term of 4/15/2026-4/15/2027 (with possibility of extension) and will be located in Dexter, New York

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• College courses in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 1+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in aquatic invasive species management.
• Ability to be comfortable with insects that bite and sting and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic insects and invertebrates.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Must be able to swim short distances unassisted.
• Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling).
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to physically work in field locations that can be difficult to access.
• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, hills, etc.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organization skills.
• Ability to work well with other is required while creating high-quality and respectful work environment.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, have access to reliable transportation, and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management, or related field
• Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat.
• Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.
• Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, ArcGIS, BioBase, EcoSound) and Microsoft and Google editing suites (Word, Excel, Docs, Sheets).
• Experience using multiple GPS devices to navigate.
• Demonstrated experience with aquatic invasive plant monitoring and management.
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team
• Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organization skills.
• Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title: Field Assistant III

Job Family: Academic Support

Level: C

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $24.30 - $26.44

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

Company: Contract College