Sr Extension Associate - Lab Of Ornithology

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc. is seeking a Sr Extension Associate to lead the Yang Center’s Capacity Sharing Team at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in Ithaca, NY. The role involves developing innovative conservation bioacoustics education programs and mentoring initiatives. Responsibilities include leading undergraduate conservation courses, managing fellowship programs, and ensuring program effectiveness through monitoring and evaluation. The ideal candidate is an experienced educator dedicated to fostering diversity and excellence in conservation efforts.

Qualifications

• Experienced educator and mentor with a strong background in conservation bioacoustics.
• Ability to develop and implement training programs for diverse audiences.
• Proficient in creating virtual curricula and educational resources.

Responsibilities

• Direct the Yang Center’s Capacity Sharing Team and lead undergraduate courses.
• Develop international mentoring initiatives and oversee fellowship programs.
• Manage curriculum development and ensure academic excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Program Development

Curriculum Design

Grant Writing

Education

Master's degree or higher in a related field

Job description

Sr Extension Associate - Lab Of Ornithology

Located in the Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary in Ithaca, New York, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology ( the Lab ) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world. The Lab brings together scientists, technologists, educators, and conservation practitioners to make new discoveries, share knowledge, and inspire conservation action globally.

This position will be based in the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics ( Yang Center ), one of the Lab’s six programmatic centers. The Yang Center collects and interprets sounds in nature by developing and applying innovative technologies across ecologically relevant scales to inform and advance the conservation of wildlife and habitats worldwide. The Center’s interdisciplinary team works across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems in collaboration with partners around the globe.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an innovative leader and educator to direct the Yang Center’s Capacity Sharing Team and lead our Cornell undergraduate courses in Conservation Bioacoustics. Capacity Sharing is one of three foundational pillars of the Yang Center, alongside cutting‑edge bioacoustics research and the development of conservation technologies. The initiatives in capacity sharing aim to strengthen global expertise in conservation bioacoustics through multiple pathways: international mentoring initiatives in the Global South, developing a virtual curriculum, workshops, Cornell undergraduate courses, and our prestigious endowed "Katharine B. Payne Fellows Program in Conservation Bioacoustics” for emerging leaders working in key biodiversity areas.

As a Team Leader, you will be at the forefront of harnessing conservation bioacoustics approaches to sustainably safeguard biodiversity by developing and sharing critical capacities among individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide. The ideal candidate will be an experienced educator and mentor who champions both pedagogical excellence and transformational leadership. You will foster a dynamic, solution‑oriented culture in which team members from diverse backgrounds thrive through collaborative support, professional development, and a shared commitment to the highest standards of scientific and educational practice.

POSITION FUNCTIONS & DIVISION OF TIME

Capacity Sharing Team Leadership & Management (40%)

• Provide leadership and supervision to teams of academic and support staff, while fostering collaborative relationships among the Yang Center's research faculty, technical staff, and student researchers. Develop and implement a unified strategy to expand access and scope of training and mentoring programs for diverse audiences, including practitioners and partner organizations, and to focus on region‑specific groups at various skill levels. The main capacity‑sharing initiatives include:
• International training and mentorship program: Develop a cross‑regional, integrated initiative for global capacity building in conservation bioacoustics, building on established and ongoing regional efforts in the Global South. Incorporate strategies that support regional and cross‑regional objectives, ensuring careful consideration of both sociocultural and conservation contexts.
• International Fellowship Program: Manage the prestigious Katharine B. Payne Fellows Program (https://tinyurl.com/2wnyp5vp). You will (i) coordinate and oversee the development of the fellowship scope, recruitment and selection processes, and support plans for each fellow, (ii) serve as a key mentor to the Payne Fellows by providing dedicated guidance and support to enhance their Cornell residency experience and long‑term conservation impact, and (iii) develop long‑term impact assessment strategies and create engagement opportunities for program alumni.
• Virtual curriculum: Oversee the development, implementation, and updating of a virtual program in conservation bioacoustics that includes both theoretical and practical modules on acoustic monitoring for land and water environments. Manage a centralized digital library for teaching resources, curricula, and educational materials.
• Travel: Expect to spend 4‑6 weeks on domestic and international travel annually. This will include 2‑3 week‑long trips to the areas where we are engaging in capacity‑sharing efforts, including Central/South America, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Academic Program Leadership (40%)

• Lead the content creation and delivery of Cornell's Conservation Bioacoustics course, ensuring academic excellence through innovative educational content and regulatory adherence across all program components. Serve as the primary instructor for undergraduate conservation bioacoustics courses. Implement data‑driven systems for course evaluation.

Professional Development and Strategic Initiatives (20%)

• Design and implement comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems for the Yang Center’s capacity sharing initiatives to ensure program effectiveness and alignment with the Center's conservation mission.
• Identify, seek, and secure external funding through grant writing and fundraising to sustain initiatives long‑term.
• Maintain technical expertise in emerging acoustic technologies and virtual curriculum design methodologies.
• Contribute to institutional governance through service on committees such as hiring committees and program reviews.
• Cultivate an inclusive, high‑performance culture that promotes inn