Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Background
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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. International Programs meets the fundamental challenges of development and food security through teaching, research, and outreach programs that involve undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and mid-career professionals.
The Biological and Environmental Engineering Department (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 of undergraduate and graduate students; research on problems in biology and the environment; and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge.
Within CALS and BEE resides the New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI). NYSWRI has as its mission 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 resources issues and to develop and assess new water resource management approaches, technologies, and policies. NYSWRI connects water research and water management communities.
Restoration Hydrologist
The NYSWRI Restoration Hydrologist will work to increase the ecosystem health and flood resilience of NY’s streams. More specifically, they will provide road-stream crossing modeling and outreach support to improve the effectiveness of mitigation and restoration efforts focused on, 1) improving aquatic species passage; 2) reducing or eliminating hydraulic constrictions; and 3) incorporating climate change science into road-stream crossing and floodplain management analyses.
The Restoration Hydrologist will be responsible for receiving and managing road-stream crossing data from partners and then returning modeling results in a format that can be used by local and regional stakeholders. These data and derived products will be incorporated into road-stream crossing management plans and other planning initiatives to help local government with real world decision-making related to road and stream infrastructure improvements. The position will also support hydraulic and hydrologic modeling and assessment needs identified through river restoration projects, such as dam removals. The position will require working effectively with regional watershed programs and partners, including regular communications and decision support for local partners.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Data compilation, modelling, and analysis – Management of geospatial datasets; execution of Cornell Culvert Model (CCM) and other established hydraulic models (e.g. HEC-RAS).
- Model development and stewardship – Improvement of the CCM and incorporation of stakeholder feedback; management of open source code repository of CCM.
- Training and professional support – Communicating with, and training, floodplain, stormwater, and transportation professionals seeking to use the CCM or its results.
- Support development of culvert management plans –Work with municipalities and local partners to identify and implement priority road-stream crossing improvements.
- Representation and outreach – Coordinate and participate in stakeholder meetings to advance overall restoration goals.
This position, located in Ithaca, NY on Cornell’s campus, is a one-year termed appointment. Annual appointments are expected and will be conditional upon satisfactory performance and available funding.
Required Qualifications: Specify required minimum equivalency for education, experience, skills, information systems knowledge, etc.
- Bachelor’s Degree; with at least 3 years of relevant experience in hydrology, hydrologic modeling, or a related engineering field.
- Experience working with hydraulic modeling and/or culvert design and management.
- Experience managing spatial and non-spatial datasets including developing and maintaining metadata and working with relational databases; or demonstrated experience working with GIS platforms.
- Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment.
- Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively to support the efforts of the overall project.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, demonstrate flexibility, adapt to changes and provide consistent and accurate information.
- Demonstrated computer skills and experience with report preparation and analysis.
- Proactive in identifying and following up on organizational needs, determining tasks necessary to meet requirements and deadlines, and identifying and engaging support staff and resources as needed.
- Must be willing to travel within the work region.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to attend statewide functions and events
Preferred Qualifications: Specify preferred specialized education, field and/or certifications.
- Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Natural Resources Management, or related field, with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Certification as an erosion control specialist, or other floodplain management training.
- Demonstrated understanding and ability to incorporate climate change forecasts into hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
- Demonstrated experience working with community partners (municipal employees, NGO staff, local extension and outreach professionals, etc.).
- Knowledge of local government functions and roles as they relate to road infrastructure.
- Knowledge of road, culvert, and bridge design, construction, and permitting.
- Knowledge of stream ecology, particularly as it relates to aquatic species passage.
- Ability to independently coordinate programs and manage activities.
As part of the university’s comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.
University Job Title: Extension Supp Spec II
Job Family: Academic Support
Level: F
Pay Rate Type: Salary
Pay Range: $62,841.00 – $73,031.00
Company: Contract College
Contact Name: Kate Nicholson
Number of Openings: 1
