CALS- Field Assistant III- Biological Science Technician

About the role

The position is located within the department of Biological and Environmental Engineering. 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.

Responsibilities

• Biological sample preparation
• Microscopy-based growth analysis
• Data management in accordance with project-specific quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols and Cornell data management standards
• Support laboratory and field activities related to freshwater mussel shell thin-sectioning, growth chronology development, and stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N)
• Work throughout New York State under the supervision of the NYSWRI Freshwater Mussel Biologist on multiple monitoring and research projects based out of the NYS Museum’s Field Research Laboratory located in Cambridge, NY

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, chemistry, or related field, with at least one (1) year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with laboratory-based biological and/or chemical sample processing and/or microscopy
• Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling)
• Must be able to swim short distances unassisted
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Highly motivated and ability to work well in a team setting while maintaining a positive attitude and respectful work environment under strenuous outdoor working conditions
• Visual concentration, strong attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrated ability to manage, organize, and document data accurately
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary
• Able to complete tasks following written protocols and verbal instructions
• Experience with freshwater mussel biology, ecology, or conservation
• Familiarity with aging calcified structures or dendrochronology techniques
• Experience preparing samples for stable isotope analysis
• Experience imaging biological specimens
• Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification
• Working knowledge of R and RStudio
• Experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic systems (e.g., wading, snorkeling, or boat-based surveys)
• Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat
• Experience working in watercraft including canoes and motorboats

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources, chemistry, or related field, with at least one (1) year of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with laboratory-based biological and/or chemical sample processing and/or microscopy
• Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling)
• Must be able to swim short distances unassisted
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Highly motivated and ability to work well in a team setting while maintaining a positive attitude and respectful work environment under strenuous outdoor working conditions
• Visual concentration, strong attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Demonstrated ability to manage, organize, and document data accurately
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary
• Able to complete tasks following written protocols and verbal instructions
• Experience with freshwater mussel biology, ecology, or conservation
• Familiarity with aging calcified structures or dendrochronology techniques
• Experience preparing samples for stable isotope analysis
• Experience imaging biological specimens
• Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification
• Working knowledge of R and RStudio
• Experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic systems (e.g., wading, snorkeling, or boat-based surveys)
• Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat
• Experience working in watercraft including canoes and motorboats

Skills

• Experience with freshwater mussel biology, ecology, or conservation
• Familiarity with aging calcified structures or dendrochronology techniques
• Experience preparing samples for stable isotope analysis
• Experience imaging biological specimens
• Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification
• Working knowledge of R and RStudio
• Experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic systems (e.g., wading, snorkeling, or boat-based surveys)
• Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat
• Experience working in watercraft including canoes and motorboats

Benefits

• Cornell 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.

Pay

$24.30 - $26.44 per hour

Schedule

Full-time position at 39 hours per week located in Cambridge, NY. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available funding and performance.