Great Lakes Water Resources Technician

Cornell University • New York, NY

23h • Onsite

About The Position

This position is a collaboration between the New York State Water Resources Institute and the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Great Lakes Program. Its main role is to support both fieldwork and laboratory operations, contributing to water resource research and management efforts in New York’s Great Lakes region. The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is one of the largest programs of its kind, with a diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. It focuses on three core areas: education at undergraduate and graduate levels, research in biology and environmental challenges, and public outreach. Through these efforts, the department aims to advance knowledge and help society apply scientific solutions. This is a full-time, in-person position based in Syracuse, New York. This is a one-year term position, with additional one-year terms pending performance and funding. Core hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with flexibility as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma with up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
• Experience with ArcGIS, R (or similar programming tools), and GPS technology
• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid boater’s certificate
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout New York’s Great Lakes Basin, including occasional after-hours work
• Knowledge of freshwater and shoreline ecosystem functions
• Familiarity with New York’s Great Lakes watersheds and restoration strategies
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Must possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be approved to drive for university business
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow prescribed procedures
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and navigate uneven terrain
• Ability to operate or learn to operate boats, trailers, and environmental sampling equipment
• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs
• Ability to foster inclusive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups of people

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a related field
• Experience using environmental monitoring instruments (e.g., multiparameter sondes, sensors)
• Experience working with state or federal water quality programs
• Experience with data visualization and/or geospatial analysis

Responsibilities

• Conduct environmental field sampling of streams and lakes following established protocols and QA requirements
• Calibrate, maintain, and operate field sampling equipment (e.g., multiparameter sondes)
• Collect, document, compile, and archive water quality, biological, and geospatial data
• Maintain metadata and ensure proper data organization for reporting and analysis
• Prepare GIS maps and data visualizations
• Support data analysis related to environmental programs, including the Great Lakes Action Agenda
• Assist with maintenance and organization of sampling equipment and storage areas
• Support operation and upkeep of field vehicles, trailers, and boats
• Assist in preparing written standard operating procedures
• Provide logistical and operational support for field and laboratory activities
• Collaborate with and support other Water Resource Management programs as needed

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 the year winter break from December 25-January 1
• two additional floating holidays
• tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
• tuition aid for external education
• Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
• employee wellness
• workshops
• childcare and adoption assistance
• parental leave
• flexible work options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees