Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator
Cornell University
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Cornell University is seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator to lead regional and project-specific coordination, implementation, and QA of AIS management projects. You will promote standardized data collection methods and analyze pre/post conditions, helping safeguard New York State’s aquatic ecosystems.
The role offers 40 hours/week, on-site in Cortland, NY, with peak-season schedule variability and potential extension beyond a one-year term.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 3+ years of experience in aquatic biology, ecology, or natural resources.
- Experience in aquatic invasive species field work, data collection, and analysis.
- Proven ability to work with diverse communities and communicate effectively.
- Willingness to obtain or upgrade pesticide certification within 1 year may be required.
Responsibilities
- Develop permits for Aquatic Invasive Species actions within the region.
- Execute regional early detection-rapid response including monitoring coordination.
- Utilize methods like eDNA and UAS to enhance detection.
- Coordinate the Cayuga Lake Hydrilla Control Project planning, application, and herbicide management.
- Collaborate with lake associations to promote lake management plans and watercraft inspection programs.
- Participate in regional, state, and federal collaboratives to share information.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
As the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, you will provide both regional and project-specific coordination, implementation, and quality assurance of invasive species management projects. Facilitate the use of standardized methodologies for data collection and analysis of pre and post project conditions. This position offers an opportunity to lead field operations, coordinate research and demonstration projects, and contribute to protecting New York State's aquatic ecosystems.
As the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, you will provide both regional and project-specific coordination, implementation, and quality assurance of invasive species management projects. Facilitate the use of standardized methodologies for data collection and analysis of pre and post project conditions. This position offers an opportunity to lead field operations, coordinate research and demonstration projects, and contribute to protecting New York State's aquatic ecosystems.
- Developing and acquiring permits for actions pursuant to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) management directly undertaken within the region.
- Executing regional early detection-rapid response program, including site prioritization and coordination of monitoring in lacustrine and riverine systems.
- Utilizing a variety of methods and technologies (eDNA, UAS, etc.) to enhance early detection capacity.
- Coordinating the Cayuga Lake Hydrilla Control Project, including planning, application, and management of herbicides.
- Working closely with regional lake associations to promote the development and implementation of lake management plans and watercraft inspection steward programs.
- Participating in regional, state-wide, and federal collaboratives to promote exchange of information throughout the watershed.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week), one-year term Contract College position based in Cortland, NY, with the possibility of extension. This position is fully on-site. Standard business hours; however, work schedules may vary during peak field seasons.
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 the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (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.
We are seeking a talented professional who excels at building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and brings knowledge of aquatic invasive species and their management. Additionally, you will have:
- A Bachelor’s Degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in aquatic biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in one or more of the following involving aquatic invasive species: field work in waterbodies and wetlands involving surveys, general data collection and analysis, and management.
- Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment is critical.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Excellent organizational experience.
- Ability to provide consistent and accurate information.
- Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Flexibility and receptiveness to new ideas and approaches.
- A proactive approach to independently identifying and following up on program objectives, organizational needs, determining tasks necessary to meet project requirements and deadlines, and engaging and collaborating with support staff and resources as needed with minimal supervision.
- New York State pesticide application certification in category 5a; or, pesticide application certification in any category with a willingness to obtain category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, 2+ years of verifiable experience as a technician in any commercial category with a willingness to upgrade to category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, willingness to become a technician in category 5A once hired and upgrade to a commercial applicator within 1 year of hire (candidates with no prior pesticide application experience).
- Demonstrated geospatial analysis and visualization skills (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcPRO, ArcGIS Online).
- Experience and proficiency with operation and maintenance of motorboats and other mechanical equipment.
- Experience with report preparation and analysis.
- Experience demonstrating sound judgment, creativity, research, and problem-solving skills.
- Willingness and demonstrated aptitude for supervising others.
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position, including access to reliable transportation and maintenance of a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
- Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.
If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include:
- Master’s degree in aquatic biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent, with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
- Familiarity with state and federal permitting processes, including Article 15, Article 24, and State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).
- This position is based in Cortland, New York and fully on-site.
- Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
- 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
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Extension Supp Spec II
Academic Support
F
Salary
$72,209.00 - $77,625.00
Onsite
Contract College
Jamie Doss
jjd293@cornell.edu
- Prior relevant work or industry experience
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
- Unique applicable skills
- Academic Discipline
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
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
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