Mohawk River Coordinator
Extension Support Specialist III
Band G – Exempt
Biological and Environmental Engineering
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Albany, New York
Who We Are
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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
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
The Mohawk River Coordinator will lead a collaborative project of the Water Resources Institute (WRI) at Cornell University with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to implement the Mohawk River Basin Program and the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda. The Mohawk River Coordinator will provide leadership in the management of the Mohawk River Basin Program (MRBP), including planning and implementation of program development activities, oversight of the program budget, management of a grants program to support the goals and objectives of the Mohawk River Basin Action Agenda, conduct and organize community outreach, oversight of individual partner and agency contracts for implementation of Action Agenda goals and objectives, and coordinate with partners and stakeholders, Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP) staff and Cornell University faculty to achieve Action Agenda Goals. As an integral member of the MRBP, HREP and WRI team, this position requires the ability to work with staff from a variety of partner programs, agencies, and organizations, and act as a technical agent or representative of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Specific duties include:
- Analyze and evaluate programs; make recommendations to the program director for strengthening and improving programs.
- Conduct and organize community outreach to facilitate the implementation of program conservation goals.
- Provide strategic guidance to carry out collaborative research projects with faculty from Cornell University and New York State institutions relative to the Mohawk River watershed.
- Develop and deliver watershed-scale presentations characterizing water resources in the Mohawk River watershed.
- Develop and cultivate local partnerships with land trusts, conservation organizations, local governments, businesses, and watershed groups to assist in implementing the Action Agenda.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the Hudson River Estuary Program and partner agencies to conduct training for municipalities on issues relevant to the Action Agenda goals.
What We Need
We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone who is interested in identifying and addressing critical water resources issues facing New York State. Additionally, we need someone who has:
- Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in a field related natural resource management, environmental science, planning, public policy and/or related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Broad knowledge of watershed management and water resource conservation.
- Excellent writing and oral communication skills, including public speaking and ability to translate technical information into plain language.
- 3+ years of experience with program delivery, evaluation, and management in a public administration setting.
- Experience with developing and managing budgets.
- Experience coordinating projects with diverse stakeholders and partners with a range of interests and backgrounds to address policy.
- Experience managing grants and/or contracts.
- Must be comfortable with multitasking and adapt to competing priorities.
- Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
- Ability to exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University and the Mohawk River Basin Program.
- Ability to occasionally work nights and weekends to attend specific meetings or events.
- Ability to effectively interact and communicate with academics, outreach personnel, government entities and the public.
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word), ArcGIS, and remote work platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom).
- Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
- Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
- 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 environmental or natural science, environmental policy, planning, landscape architecture, or related field.
- Knowledge of one or more of the following:
- Mohawk River and the Mohawk River watershed area and its environmental issues.
- Knowledge of public participation process.
- Working knowledge and/or lived experience with Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) issues, including environmental justice.
- Experience with program development.
- Experience with developing or implementing academic research partnerships.
- Experience facilitating advisory committees and working groups including government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and others.
- Experience with the design and implementation of strategic planning and program evaluation processes.
- Ability to analyze scientific data to develop policy strategies and messages for the public.
- Marketing or communications experience for a variety of audiences.
- Ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for mapping and spatial analysis
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and at this time will be based in the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Central Office in Albany, New York with potential for occasional work in satellite locations.
This is a two-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.
- You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success.
- Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that 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. ​
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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
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University Job Title:Extension Supp Spec III
Job Family:Academic Support
Level:G
Pay Rate Type:Salary
Pay Range:$76,835.00 – $93,909.00
Remote Option Availability:Onsite
Company:Contract College
Contact Name:Turner DePalma
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EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.2024-06-04
