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Field Assistant III- Biological Science Technician
The Opportunity
As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values
As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.
While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success
About the College
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.
The Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering (BEE) is one of the largest of its kind in the country with a very diverse faculty, staff, and student population. The department serves three integrated functions: teaching undergraduate and graduate students, researching problems in biology and the environment, and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge.
The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) resides within CALS and BEE. Its mission is to improve the management of water resources in New York and the nation. NYSWRI collaborates with regional, state, and national partners to increase awareness of emerging water resource issues and to develop and assess new water resource management approaches, technologies, and policies. NYSWRI connects water research and water management communities.
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.
The New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell University seeks a Biological Science Technician to support new and ongoing freshwater mussel related research projects including mussel responses to habitat disturbance and restoration in the Upper Hudson and Grasse rivers. This position will support laboratory and field activities related to freshwater mussel shell thin-sectioning, growth chronology development, and stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N). Responsibilities include biological sample preparation, microscopy-based growth analysis, and data management in accordance with project-specific quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols and Cornell data management standards.
The Biological Science Technician will 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.
This is a 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.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
What We Need
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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.
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Experience with laboratory-based biological and/or chemical sample processing and/or microscopy.
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Ability to perform research underwater (wading and snorkeling).
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Must be able to swim short distances unassisted.
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Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
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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.
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Visual concentration, strong attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
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Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
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Demonstrated ability to manage, organize, and document data accurately.
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Effective written and verbal communication skills.
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Proven ability to work independently and consult with supervisor when necessary.
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Ability to complete tasks following written protocols and verbal instructions.
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Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
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Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position.
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Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
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Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere, and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
If 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.
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Experience with freshwater mussel biology, ecology, or conservation.
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Familiarity with aging calcified structures or dendrochronology techniques.
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Experience preparing samples for stable isotope analysis.
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Experience imaging biological specimens.
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Open Water SCUBA Diver Certification.
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Working knowledge of R and RStudio
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Experience conducting fieldwork in aquatic systems (e.g., wading, snorkeling, or boat-based surveys).
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Experience with operation and trailering of a motorboat.
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Experience working in watercraft including canoes and motorboats.
Rewards and Benefits
Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
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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.
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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 Cornell
Cornell'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 Cornell
University Job Title:
Field Assistant III
Job Family:
Academic Support
Level:
C
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$24.30 - $26.44
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
J'Frances White
Contact Email:
[email protected]
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The 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.
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Cornell 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.
2026-07-07
