Position Summary
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 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Field Technician will work throughout NYSDEC region 5 under the supervision of the region 5 AIS Coordinator on multiple aquatic invasive species monitoring and research projects based out of the NYSDEC office in Warrensburg, NY.
This position is full time (39 hours/week) located in Warrensburg, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
College/Department Information
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
Associate’s degree or higher in ecology, biology, natural resources management or related field with 3+ years of experience working with aquatic invasive species management or other aquatic-based field work, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
2+ years experience in field operations.
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.
Ability to complete pesticide apprenticeship or obtain NYS Commercial Pesticide License (Technician) in Category 5A to assist with aquatic herbicide application within 6 months of start date.
Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying.
Experience with Microsoft and Google editing suites (Word, Excel, Docs, Sheets).
Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
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.
Knowledge of how to balance conflicting priorities, make informed decisions, and use sound judgment in completing urgent tasks.
Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organization skills.
Ability to work well with others is required while creating high-quality and respectful work environment.
Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.
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.
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.
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.
Experience operating an electrofishing backpack and familiarity with electrofishing safety protocols.
Experience operating eDNA backpack samplers and familiarity with eDNA sampling collection protocols.
Experience working in watercraft including canoes and motorboats.
Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat.
Basic knowledge and ability to identify native and invasive fish and aquatic vegetation of New York.
Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase EcoSound).
Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.
Experience using multiple GPS devices to navigate.
Demonstrated experience with invasive fish and/or aquatic plant monitoring and management.
Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, 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.
Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.
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
Contact Name:
Joan Olson
Contact Email:
[email protected]Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline
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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2025-09-30
Lab & Research (1)