Marine Program Assistant - Riverhead, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

5d•$22

About The Position

The Field Assistant works with the Senior Resource Educator on various citizen science-based educational projects and assists with various field and laboratory research projects. The primary focus of this position is to assist with and implement the channled whelk alternative bait project in the laboratory and field. In addition, this position will include serving as site coordinator for the volunteer horseshoe crab spawning surveys, assisting with shellfish aquaculture and other field restoration and education activities. Site Coordinators are responsible for collecting scientific data on annual horseshoe crab spawning surveys that occur 12-15 evenings in May and June (typically 2 hours per evening). Coordinators work in pairs as a team at their site to count, measure and tag spawning horseshoe crabs on the beach and to educate volunteer participants. Site Coordinators may also coordinate and lead other casual participants interested in a one-time educational experience about horseshoe crab and this program. This position will also assist with laboratory work at Flax Pond Marine Lab, including the alternative bait project with channeled whelk, various shellfish projects, and processing samples and cleaning equipment. Other projects this position will assist with may include horseshoe crab telemetry-based fieldwork that is boat based and with data deployment/retrieval/maintenance, as well as with the shellfish aquaculture and groundwater programs. The shellfish aquaculture program requires working with the Cornell Shellfish Biologist in the hatchery and the grow-out facility in Huntington (Goldstar Battalion). At Goldstar Battalion, they will assist with collecting data for shellfish and water quality and provide assistance with the maintenance of display tanks, FLUPSY grow-out of shellfish, and public education and outreach as needed (at other sites).

Requirements

H.S. Degree or higher.
Ability to follow instructions carefully.
Ability to work with others or alone with some supervision.
Knowledge of natural science, plant science, or marine science.
Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and handle heavy gear.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards and motor vehicle check is required.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Experience with collecting biological data in the laboratory and field is preferred.
The ability to follow established monitoring protocols and record data accurately is also preferred.
The ability to work with the general public and interest in environmental stewardship and learning is beneficial.
Boat handling skills.

Responsibilities

Assist with and implement the channeled whelk alternative bait project in the laboratory and field.
Serve as site coordinator for the volunteer horseshoe crab spawning surveys.
Assist with shellfish aquaculture and other field restoration and education activities.
Collect scientific data on annual horseshoe crab spawning surveys.
Count, measure and tag spawning horseshoe crabs on the beach.
Educate volunteer participants.
Coordinate and lead other casual participants interested in a one-time educational experience about horseshoe crab and this program.
Assist with laboratory work at Flax Pond Marine Lab.
Assist with horseshoe crab telemetry-based fieldwork that is boat based and with data deployment/retrieval/maintenance.
Assist with the shellfish aquaculture and groundwater programs.
Assist with collecting data for shellfish and water quality.
Provide assistance with the maintenance of display tanks, FLUPSY grow-out of shellfish, and public education and outreach as needed.