"Temporary Great Lakes Water Resources Field Technician (Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering); Syracuse, New York"

Temporary Great Lakes Water Resources Field Technician

Temporary Agricultural Worker
Nonexempt
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Syracuse, New York

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 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 We Need

You will assist with organizing and preparing environmental data for reporting and research purposes. You will be supporting the general operational activities of the Great Lakes and related DEC Programs. Other duties include:

• Assisting with the calibration, maintenance, and use of multiparameter sondes and other field equipment.
• Inventorying, compiling, and analyzing information related to Great Lakes Action Agenda implementation.
• Conducting literature reviews as needed.
• Assisting in preparation for and participation in environmental sampling following DEC protocols.
• Following all field and laboratory safety procedures.

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders. We need someone interested in water resource issues. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and experience working in a research setting.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid boater’s safety certification.
• 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 and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to undertake fieldwork in adverse weather conditions and over uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds of equipment.
• Must be able to use Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams effectively.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with coworkers, the public, and professional communities.
• Positive and professional attitude.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.

• Associate’s Degree in ecology, biology, natural resources management, or related field.
• Familiarity with ArcGIS, R, or other programming languages, or Access database software.
• Knowledge or experience with water quality monitoring.
• Experience with boat operations, including trailering.

This is a temporary, part-time (37.5 hours/week) position. This is a fixed-term appointment (May 18, 2026 - August 31, 2026), and will be in Syracuse, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $23.40/hour.

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

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

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