Temporary Forest Health Technician (Section of Natural Resources); Saratoga Springs, New York

Cornell University • New York, NY

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 Section of Natural Resources and the Environment within the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment is a world leader in scholarship addressing social and ecological dimensions of natural resources and the environment to improve environmental sustainability, promote the well-being of communities, and ensure access to sustainable energy and environmental resources. The New York State Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI) integrates research, management, and outreach to conserve New York State’s hemlock resources in the face of multiple threats, particularly the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect that is widespread throughout eastern North America and the upper Midwest. A newer focus of the initiative is HWA research and management in the Adirondack Park region through surveys, chemical treatment, and biological control.

Requirements

• High school diploma and interest in scientific study.
• Physical ability to conduct field work in a variety of weather conditions and in terrain that can be rugged with limited road and trail access.
• Experience conducting field research and basic data collection and entry.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow protocols and rules exactly.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that will result in desired outcomes for New York State Hemlock Initiative projects
• Possess excellent organizational skills
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Motivated and enthusiastic about working in a group environment.
• Ability to be flexible and change work assignments when needed.
• Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals.
• 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 working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with pesticide application.
• Experience or strong interest in working with insects.
• Experience identifying trees and/or insects.
• Experience using GPS, spatial data management, and creating maps in ArcGIS.

Responsibilities

• Conducting surveys in the field for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), using GIS applications for field data collection
• Marking hemlock trees in the field for ease of chemical treatment
• Assisting with experimental data collection
• Performing data entry

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care options
• Generous retirement contributions
• Access to wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health and personal leave
• Three weeks of vacation
• 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end-of-year Winter Break from December 25 - January 1.
• Two additional floating holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED