Research Support Specialist II, BEE (Hybrid)

The Opportunity

The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell University is seeking a Research Support Specialist II to support research and restoration efforts that improve aquatic connectivity throughout New York State. NYSWRI works with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to restore free-flowing rivers and streams by removing or modifying aging dams, undersized culverts, and other barriers that impact aquatic ecosystems.

In this role, you will conduct field research, analyze ecological data, and collaborate with partners to evaluate the impacts of stream restoration and dam removal projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an environmental professional who enjoys balancing fieldwork, scientific analysis, and stakeholder engagement while contributing to meaningful conservation outcomes.

This position is a full-time, 35 hours/week, one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support aquatic ecology and stream restoration monitoring projects across New York State

• Conduct stream surveys, habitat assessments, biological monitoring, and geomorphic field measurements

• Collect, process, and analyze ecological data, including aquatic macroinvertebrate samples

• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation.

• Collaborate with state agencies, environmental organizations, and community partners to advance restoration initiatives

• Communicate scientific findings to a variety of audiences, from technical experts to community stakeholders

• Support project planning, development, and implementation efforts that advance water resource management across New York State

About the College, School, Unit or Department

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.

What We Need

• 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 conducting field-based environmental or ecological research in/on waterbodies and wetlands involving stream surveys, macroinvertebrate collection and analysis, instream habitat assessments, and rod/level topographic surveying

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects and competing priorities, balance field and office responsibilities, and consistently meet project deadlines

• Experience managing, analyzing, and interpreting environmental data using statistical software such as R

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and R statistical software.

• Knowledge of stream assessment methods, aquatic ecosystems, and biological monitoring techniques

• Ability to safely carry field equipment weighing up to 30 pounds and access remote field locations

• Valid driver's license and ability to meet university driving requirements; boating experience or certification is a plus

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable 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.

• Master’s degree in Aquatic Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies or equivalent

• 6-8 years’ experience implementing and managing field projects, particularly those which investigate macroinvertebrate responses to changing environmental conditions, and disseminating project outcomes to relevant stakeholder groups

• Familiarity with NYS DEC stream biomonitoring protocols, field collection methods, and water quality assessments

• Extensive knowledge (family level or better) of aquatic macroinvertebrate taxonomic identifications, particularly in regard to taxa found within New York State

• Experience working with local stakeholders and NGOs, such as Hudson Riverkeeper, Agency partners such as NYDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Great Lakes Program, US Fish and Wildlife Service, etc

• Experience and proficiency with watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) operation and maintenance and other mechanical equipment

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement that includes both remote and on-campus work. The schedule will be determined collaboratively and may differ during peak academic and operational periods.
  

• The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholding for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working temporarily outside of New York State.
  
• 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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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