Water Resource Technician - Temporary Program/Extension Aide

Water Resource Technician - Temporary Program/Extension Aide II

Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

New Paltz, New York

Who We Are

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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

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 You Will Do

As a Water Resource Technician, you will assist New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Hudson River Estuary Program with monitoring efforts to improve the understanding on water resources within the Hudson River Estuary Watershed. This involves working within a multi-disciplinary team tasked with managing and protecting the Hudson River Estuary and its watershed through outreach and science partnerships with watershed groups, county agencies, municipalities, regional nonprofits, and other stakeholders.

The Water Resource Technician with assist in preparation for field excursions, monitoring ambient water quality in rivers and streams, assessing barriers that block passages for aquatic organisms in waterways, streamside tree planting through the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program, and general outreach about watershed protection and restoration.

• Assist with sample preparation and collection of water quality data (water chemistry and biomonitoring data) in streams/rivers.
• Documenting field conditions, waterbody characteristics and habitat assessments at monitoring sites using various surveys.
• Assess aquatic barriers (culverts and dams) in the tributary streams using established protocols (from North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC)).
• Assist with riparian buffer planting projects: through plant care, planting moving, and leading planting volunteers.
• Create reports and outreach materials.
• Update and maintain databases and files.
• Attend educational events to communicate about stream and river conservation.

What We Need

• Associate's degree from an accredited university in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Watershed Management or related field and 1+ year relevant work experience or equivalent combination.
• Comfortable working in streams and rivers (in hip/chest waders).
• Experience with reading reports, documents, written material, etc. and identifying key information.
• Be open and flexible to change and feedback.
• Ability to work independently at times.
• Ability to prioritize multiple activities and tasks from multiple leaders while meeting deadlines.
• Works well with others in a positive collaborative manner.
• Working knowledge and experience with GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.)
• Must have a valid and unrestricted driver license and be comfortable driving larger vehicles (SUV's, Trucks, etc.) and cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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:

• Bachelor's degree from a credited university in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Watershed Management, or related field.
• Background or working knowledge in watershed and natural resource management with an understanding of stream ecology and practical field experience.
• Understanding and use of water quality monitoring equipment and techniques.
• Experience in collecting water quality monitoring data (water samples, macroinvertebrates).
• North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) certification.
• Computer literacy in database use, management and design, use of enterprise ArcGIS, and Microsoft Suite (Survey 123, ESRI Story map, Word, Excel, etc.)
• Knowledge and ability to identify native trees and shrubs of New York State.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in adverse conditions.
• Outreach and public communication skills.

This is a 9-month (37.5 hours/week) appointment, starting in mid-March, 2025

There may be the opportunity to work remotely within New York State up to two days a week; however, some weeks the position's field requirements will not allow for remote work.

Occasional weekend work will be required.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Compensation is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the range of $21.20/hour to $21.47/hour.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.