Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

The Opportunity

As the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, you will provide both regional and project-specific coordination, implementation, and quality assurance of invasive species management projects. Facilitate the use of standardized methodologies for data collection and analysis of pre and post project conditions. This position offers an opportunity to lead field operations, coordinate research and demonstration projects, and contribute to protecting New York State’s aquatic ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing and acquiring permits for actions pursuant to Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)  management directly undertaken within the region.
• Executing regional early detection-rapid response program, including site prioritization and coordination of monitoring in lacustrine and riverine systems.
• Utilizing a variety of methods and technologies (eDNA, UAS, etc.) to enhance early detection capacity.
• Coordinating the Cayuga Lake Hydrilla Control Project, including planning, Application, and management of herbicides.
• Working closely with regional lake associations to promote the development and implementation of lake management plans and watercraft inspection steward programs.
• Participating in regional, state-wide, and federal collaboratives to promote exchange of information throughout the watershed.

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), one-year term Contract College position based in Cortland, NY, with the possibility of extension. This position is fully on-site. Standard business hours; however, work schedules may vary during peak field seasons. 

About the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering

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 the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (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 We Need

We are seeking a talented professional who excels at building and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and brings knowledge of aquatic invasive species and their management. Additionally, you will have: 

• A 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 in one or more of the following involving aquatic invasive species: field work in waterbodies and wetlands involving surveys, general data collection and analysis, and management.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
• Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment is critical.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational experience.
• Ability to provide consistent and accurate information.
• Experience managing multiple projects, schedules, and priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
• Flexibility and receptiveness to new ideas and approaches.
• A proactive approach to independently identifying and following up on program objectives, organizational needs, determining tasks necessary to meet project requirements and deadlines, and engaging and collaborating with support staff and resources as needed with minimal supervision.
• New York State pesticide application certification in category 5a; or, pesticide application certification in any category with a willingness to obtain category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, 2+ years of verifiable experience as a technician in any commercial category with a willingness to upgrade to category 5a certification within one year of hire; or, willingness to become a technician in category 5A once hired and upgrade to a commercial applicator within 1 year of hire (candidates with no prior pesticide application experience).
• Demonstrated geospatial analysis and visualization skills (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcPRO, ArcGIS Online).
• Experience and proficiency with operation and maintenance of motorboats and other mechanical equipment.
• Experience with report preparation and analysis.
• Experience demonstrating sound judgment, creativity, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and demonstrated aptitude for supervising others.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position, including access to reliable transportation and maintenance of a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include: 

• Master’s degree in aquatic biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent, with at least 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Familiarity with state and federal permitting processes, including Article 15, Article 24, and State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR).

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position. 

With a founding principle of “… any person … any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.