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. 

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

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

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 [email protected].

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.