"Temporary Fisheries Technician - A. Higgs Team (Section of Natural Resources); New Paltz, New York"

Temporary Fisheries Technician

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 section of Natural Resources and the Environment within the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment is a world leader in scholarship addressing social and ecological dimensions of natural resources and the environment to improve environmental sustainability, promote the well-being of communities, and ensure access to sustainable energy and environmental resources.

What You Will Do

As the Temporary Fisheries Technician, you will provide technical assistance with the monitoring of migratory fish (Atlantic sturgeon) in the Hudson River in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Hudson River Fisheries Unit located in New Paltz, New York. You will be responsible for data collection of fisheries independent surveys. Responsibilities include:

• Use of large meshed gill nets
• Operate outboard boats for deploying and retrieving gear
• Trailer boats to and from sampling locations
• Fish identification and enumeration
• Collect biological data and water quality data
• Data entry and quality assurance
• Prepare samples for age analyses

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic, who appreciates the environment and working outside. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 6+ months of experience in agriculture, field biology, ecology, or a similar setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Will be expected to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends as job functions require.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including the ability to retrieve sampling gears, which requires strenuous pulling and lifting.
• Able to maneuver in and out of boats.
• Must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-based work environment under challenging field conditions.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have 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:

• Prior fisheries experience
• Knowledge and experience with computer use, databases, and report preparation.

This is a temporary 4-month (40 hours/week) position. Contingent on funding, positions will start on April 10, 2026, and will extend through July 24, 2026. This position is located in New Paltz, New York.

Compensation is $20.60/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.

University Job Title: Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Job Family: Temporary Technical

Remote Option Availability: Onsite