"Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician"

Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician

Nonexempt
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Warrensburg, New York

Who We Are

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 large 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 You Will Do

As the Temporary Aquatic Invasive Species Strike Team Technician, you will perform manual aquatic invasive plant removals in collaboration with local stakeholder groups, conduct detailed field surveys of fish, aquatic plants and invertebrates and additional biotic/abiotic factors as assigned following standardized methodology. Other duties include:

• Perform detailed identification of invasive pests to assist in determining appropriate management strategies.
• Conduct boat and backpack electrofishing surveys, and point-intercept rake-toss surveys safely and effectively from a non-motorized and motorized vessel in lentic and lotic systems.
• Perform general equipment maintenance, inspection, and troubleshooting of field and related research equipment.
• Assist with digital field data collection, analysis, and preparation of detailed site reports on work completed.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders. We need someone familiar with aquatic invasive species. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Associate’s degree or higher in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field.
• Strong interest in aquatic invasive species management.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Ability to be comfortable with insects that bite and sting and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic insects and invertebrates.
• Willingness to assist with aquatic herbicide applications.
• Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying.
• Must be able to swim short distances unassisted.
• 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.
• Highly motivated and ability to work well in a team setting while maintaining a positive attitude and respectful work environment under strenuous outdoor working conditions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organization skills.
• Ability to complete tasks following written protocols and verbal instructions.
• 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.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• College education in ecology, biology, natural resources management, or related field.
• Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat.
• Previous experience conducting electrofishing surveys and wading in streams/rivers.
• Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive fish species of New York.
• Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive aquatic vegetation of New York.
• Experience with data collection (e.g., Survey123, BioBase EcoSound) and analysis applications (e.g. ArcGIS), and Microsoft editing suites (Word, Excel).
• Experience using multiple GPS devices to navigate.
• Demonstrated experience with invasive fish and aquatic plant monitoring and management.

This position is a temporary full-time (39 hours/week) position with a fixed term of May 14, 2026, to November 25, 2026, and will be located in Warrensburg, New York.

Compensation is $24.30/hour.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.