Great Lakes Water Resources Technician
The OpportunityThis 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. The work contributes to water resource research and management efforts in New York’s Great Lakes region.About The Department Of Biological And Environmental EngineeringThe 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.Key ResponsibilitiesConduct environmental field sampling of streams and lakes following established protocols and QA requirementsCalibrate, maintain, and operate field sampling equipment (e.g., multiparameter sondes)Collect, document, compile, and archive water quality, biological, and geospatial dataMaintain metadata and ensure proper data organization for reporting and analysisPrepare GIS maps and data visualizationsSupport data analysis related to environmental programs, including the Great Lakes Action AgendaAssist with maintenance and organization of sampling equipment and storage areasSupport operation and upkeep of field vehicles, trailers, and boatsAssist in preparing written standard operating proceduresProvide logistical and operational support for field and laboratory activitiesCollaborate with and support other Water Resource Management programs as neededWhat We NeedA resume and cover letter are required for further consideration.High school diploma with up to 2 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combinationProficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft TeamsExperience with ArcGIS, R (or similar programming tools), and GPS technologyMust have or be willing to obtain a valid boater’s certificateWillingness and ability to travel throughout New York’s Great Lakes Basin, including occasional after-hours workKnowledge of freshwater and shoreline ecosystem functionsFamiliarity with New York’s Great Lakes watersheds and restoration strategiesEffective oral and written communication skillsAbility to work both independently and collaboratively within a teamMust possess and maintain a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be approved to drive for university businessStrong attention to detail and ability to follow prescribed proceduresAbility to work outdoors in various weather conditions and navigate uneven terrainAbility to operate or learn to operate boats, trailers, and environmental sampling equipmentAbility to lift up to 10 lbsAbility to foster inclusive and collaborative relationships with diverse groups of peopleIf 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.Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or a related fieldExperience using environmental monitoring instruments (e.g., multiparameter sondes, sensors)Experience working with state or federal water quality programsExperience with data visualization and/or geospatial analysisRewards And BenefitsCornell 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 CornellCornell'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 CornellFollow 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 TitleResearch Aide IIJob FamilyAcademic SupportLevelBPay Rate TypeHourlyPay Range$23.40 - $24.28Remote Option AvailabilityOnsiteCompanyContract CollegeContact NameKeionda LewisContact Emailkll98@cornell.eduJob Titles And Pay RangesNon-Union PositionsNoted 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 CriteriaPrior relevant work or industry experienceEducation level to the extent education is relevant to the positionUnique applicable skillsAcademic DisciplineTo learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.Union PositionsThe 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 EmployeesIf 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 GuidelinesMost 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 AssistanceFor general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.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 accommodations@cornell.edu.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 mycareer@cornell.edu.Notice To ApplicantsPlease 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 StatementCornell 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.2026-04-22