CALS - Field Assistant III- Aquatic Invasive Species Technician- Warrensburg, NY

Field Assistant III- Aquatic Invasive Species Field Assistant

The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where "...any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success ; Leadership Skills for Success

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: 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.

The position is located within the department of Biological and Environmental Engineering. 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.

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, management, and research projects based out of the NYSDEC office in Warrensburg, NY.

This is a full-time position at 39 hours per week located in Warrensburg, NY.

This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available funding and performance.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

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.

* 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.

* 2+ years experience in field operations.

* Strong interest in aquatic invasive species management.

* 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 organizational skills.

* Ability to work well with others is required while creating high-quality and respectful work environment.

* Ability to be comfortable with insects that bite and sting and animal encounters, including snakes (rare), spiders, and other aquatic insects and invertebrates.

* Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying.

* Proficient in 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.

* Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.

* Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.

* Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and well-being.

* Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position.

* Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere, and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.

* Must be able to obtain and maintain a NYS Commercial Pesticide License (Technician).

* 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.

* 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, aquatic vegetation, and aquatic macroinvertebrates of New York.

* Experience with data collection applications (Survey123, BioBase EcoSound).

* Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.

* Working knowledge of R and RStudio.

* 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:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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:

J'Frances White

Contact Email:

[email protected]

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• 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.

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2026-04-15