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.
Great Lakes Water Resource Scientist
Research Support Specialist II
Band F – Exempt
Biological Environmental Engineering
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Syracuse, New York
Who We Are
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply.
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.
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.
What You Will Do
As the Great Lakes Water Resource Scientist, you will provide applied research support to inform and advance the implementation of New York’s Great Lakes and Finger Lakes Action Agenda, Lake Ontario, and Lake Erie Lake Action and Management Plans. You will
design, conduct, and coordinate multidisciplinary research projects fulfilling the agenda goals. Other duties include:
- Collecting data, identifying, and applying statistical and modeling approaches to analyze and interpret results.
- Facilitating effective partnerships of federal, state, local, and regional stakeholders to develop and advance the implementation of a science agenda to support goals.
- Participating in lake and tributary water quality monitoring using standard physical, chemical, and biological tests and procedures.
- Advising on new, alternate, improved best management practices to address nonpoint source pollution.
- Coordinating, facilitating, and participating in public events, forums, workshops, etc., supporting science and water management programs and practices.
- Communicating results of research and watershed management plan development and implementation efforts through developing reports, website content, presentations, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, public meetings, etc.
What We Need
We are looking for a talented individual who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone interested in identifying and addressing the critical water resource issues facing the state of New York. You will work across New York’s Great Lakes basin and contribute to water quality improvement projects. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in limnology, biology, chemistry, ecology, natural or environmental science, or a related field, and 3+ years of professional research experience or equivalent involving water quality/chemistry science, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Applied knowledge of statistical analysis, GIS and relational databases, proficiency in computer programming languages such as R, Python (or other) and Microsoft Office suite.
- Must be able to design and conduct field sampling work on lakes & streams, work in adverse weather conditions, negotiate difficult terrain and work in remote areas, and physically operate water monitoring equipment.
- Experience with water resources research and its communication, both verbal and written, to a variety of audiences.
- Ability to formulate, organize, track, and manage multiple tasks; skilled in project planning, budgeting, prioritization and facilitation.
- Individuals must be able to travel overnight (typically within New York’s Great Lakes basin, but also includes out-of-state and travel to Canada as needed) and after-hours/weekends (on limited occasions). A valid New York State Driver’s License and/or enhanced New York State Driver’s License or valid passport is required.
- Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:
- Master’s degree in limnology, biology, chemistry, ecology, natural or environmental science, or a related field.
- 1+ years of government, non-government organizational or academic applied research experience.
- Experience supervising others to achieve project objectives/outcomes, budget and regulatory compliance.
- Proven ability to mediate sensitive issues among diverse stakeholders and facilitate productive multi-stakeholder collaborations and outcomes.
- Knowledge of New York State water quality management and regulatory programs, including TMDLs, 9-Element Watershed Management Plans, SPDES permits and associated modeling components.
- Demonstrated proficiency in writing and presenting technical reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
- Fifteen credits of college chemistry and working knowledge of quality assurance procedures.
Knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following:
- Experience with Nuisance/Harmful Algal Blooms, chemical pollutant assessment/control, contaminants of emerging concern or other indicators of water quality problems or use impairments.
- Working knowledge of the mechanisms related to primary productivity of algal bloom occurrences, secondary productivity, and nutrient cycling.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the fate and transport of nutrients and toxic chemicals from point and non-point sources, including agriculture and non-agricultural sources.
- Knowledge of web-based tools for organizing and displaying water quality and environmental data for diverse audiences.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Syracuse, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.
Rewards and Benefits
We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
- Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the range of $64,500 to $71,300.
- You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success.
- Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Life. Changing.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply
You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter. ​
When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.
EEO Statement
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.
Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information.
University Job Title: Research Support Spec II
Job Family: Academic Support
Level: F
Pay Rate Type: Salary
Pay Range: $61,058.00 – $70,960.00
Remote Option Availability: Fully Onsite
Company: Contract College
Contact Name: Janet Camilli
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
- Prior relevant work or industry experience
- Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
- Unique applicable skills
- Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
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.
Current Employees:
If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.
Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday – Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
2023-06-27
