Technician / Conservation Technician

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Department Background The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.
This full-time appointment will provide technical support to the New York State Hemlock Initiative (NYSHI) funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The mission of NYSHI is to conduct research and outreach on the conservation of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) in the face of threats posed primarily by the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA, Adelges tsugae) and to support the educational, outreach and extension programs of the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE) and Cornell University. This position receives limited supervision from campus and the incumbent needs to be self-directed, responsible, and capable of good judgement in a variety of routine and non-routine situations. Substantial manual labor is involved requiring physical fitness and awareness of safety issues involved in operation and maintenance activities.
Responsibilities include: Serve as one of a two-person team. The "Hemlock Conservation Team", based remotely from the Cornell Ithaca Campus working in the field to treat hemlock trees with systemic insecticides to control HWA. The "Team" will also scout priority areas for HWA early detection, maintain a database of treated trees, and assist the NYSHI lab with field research projects on HWA biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA in New York State.
Rewards And Benefits Competitive compensation, generous time-off, and great benefits ... More on Cornell Benefits
Position Summary While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Field work will be conducted year-round primarily in the southern Adirondacks but may include other locations in New York State as needed. Responsible for maintaining field equipment, including pesticide application equipment, as best as possible. Ordering field supplies and maintaining stocks and maintaining inventory. Provide basic data analysis using basic statistical methods and computer software (including Excel, Access, , R). Support ongoing and future research projects on hemlock woolly adelgid biological control and early detection of HWA using eDNA. Assist in the development of reports, papers and publications based on data collected. Provide training and assistance to volunteers and state agency personnel for HWA early detection and to assist with pesticide treatments.
This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding. workplace will be remote with equipment storage at the NYSDEC Saratoga Nursery located in Saratoga Springs, New York, and office space TBD in the Lake George area.
Required Qualifications: Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Associate's degree with a focus on forest ecology or related field or comparable work experience and 1 to 2 years of experience. Must be willing to conduct field work in a variety of weather conditions and in terrain that can be rugged with limited road and trail access. Must have experience conducting field research and basic data analysis. Ability to work independently and make decisions that will result in desired outcomes for NYSHI projects. Must be personable, flexible; possess excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and oral). Experience working with PC computers, ability to trouble-shoot and work with datasets. Proficiency in MS Word and Excel. Motivated and enthusiastic about working in a group environment. Detail-oriented and able to strictly adhere to standard operating procedure. Ability to create an inclusive, high-quality and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve departmental and university goals. Ability to change work assignments when needed. Adherence to safety protocols and procedures is required. Must have and maintain a valid NY State driver's license. Must successfully complete a driver background check. Background check will be required. Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Environmental Biology, Conservation Biology, or other related natural science field. Experience working in forest health and/or entomology. Familiarity with lab and field equipment including data loggers, dissecting microscope, and application of pesticides. Experience with GPS, spatial data management, and creating maps in ArcGIS. Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .
University Job Title:
Technician III Job Family:
Technical Level:
C Pay Rate Type:
Hourly Pay Range:
$22.00 - $24.46 Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid Remote Company:
Contract College Contact Name:
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Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
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