Extension Associate

BEE/CALS, United States

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: New York City, NEW YORK
Deadline: 30 Jun 2022
Position ID:Cornell -BEE/CALS -WRIEA [#21955, WDR-00031964]
Position Title: 
Position Type:Non tenure-track faculty
Position Location:Ithaca, New York 14853, United States [map ]
Subject Area: Water Resources
Appl Deadline:2022/06/30 11:59PM (posted 2022/06/22, listed until 2022/06/30)
Position Description:  Apply    

Department of Biological & Environmental Engineering
Extension Associate
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. 
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world. 
The Biological and Environmental Engineering Department (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 of undergraduate and graduate students; research on problems in biology and the environment; and public outreach to help society implement new knowledge. 
Within CALS and BEE resides the New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI). NYSWRI has as its mission to improve the management of water resources in New York State and the nation. NYSWRI collaborates with regional, state, and national partners to increase awareness of emerging water resources issues and to develop and assess new water resource management approaches, technologies, and policies. NYSWRI connects water research and water management communities. 
Position Function 
The NYSWRI Planning Extension Associate will perform outreach and applied research to improve the climate resilience of NYS communities through, 1) understanding and improving flood resilience governance; 2) communicating flood risk; and 3) improving water literacy. The applicant will be expected to develop and maintain a relationship with NYSWRI staff working off-campus and perform research and outreach that furthers goals outlined in the DEC’s Great Lakes Watershed Program (GLWP) and the Hudson River Estuary Program (HREP) Action Agendas. 
Research/outreach topics include, but are not limited to:
 • Building community flood resilience through governance analysis 
• Communication of flood risk in public spaces 
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in access to water resources, benefits of aquatic systems and public programs, and the planning and engagement in implementing those programs 
• Educational efforts aimed at increasing water resource literacy 
The ideal candidate will have interest, and experience, in working with state extension or similar organizations, and will be able to facilitate the transfer of HREP, GLWP, and other watershed programming to a variety of regional and state-wide stakeholders. The position serves as link between NYSWRI and regional outreach efforts related to subject areas listed above. 
This position, located in Ithaca, NY on Cornell’s campus, is a one-year termed appointment. Annual appointments are expected and will be conditional upon satisfactory performance and available funding.
Anticipated Division of Time 
Outreach Program Development (30%):
 • Assist in development of a process to help communities perform needs assessment around public installations to communicate water resources issues. 
• Contribute to the development of a platform to share research and outreach findings with stakeholders in the Great Lakes watershed. 
• Develop methods to communicate research findings to a broad audience around flood governance networks.
Outreach Program Implementation (20%): 
• Facilitate needs assessments with communities towards the design and implementation of flood risk communication in public spaces. 
• Design or review designs for public communication products.
• Work with vendors to turn designs into outreach products. 
• Work to obtain necessary permits and permissions to implement public exhibits. 
Applied Research (35%): 
• Explore and understand the literature and state of the art related to topic areas outlined above. 
• Work with NYSWRI research and outreach partners to execute research plans effectively and efficiently. 
• Write scripts for and conduct semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups with stakeholders.
• Compile information on planning and governance through various methods including ordinance review, online sources, and reports. 
• Analyze data using qualitative and quantitative approaches. 
• Develop or contribute to reports or manuscripts based on research activities 
Representation (10%): 
• Participate in relevant Cornell, NYS, Lake Ontario, and Great Lakes working groups and steering committees to communicate updates to partners, coordinate with complimentary efforts, and learn from the approaches of others. 
• Represent NYSWRI at regional conferences and outreach events. 
Professional Development and Other Duties (5%): 
• Participate in continuous learning and specialized training in related areas to enhance professional knowledge and skill. 
• Seek out and attend educational seminars and training meetings as required. 
• Stay informed regarding college and university policies & procedures.
• Continuously maintain all required educational and position qualifications to fulfill job requirements. 
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned. 
Required Qualifications: 
• Master’s degree in Regional Planning or related field with two years of relevant experience in planning-related research and outreach. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of land use governance structure in NYS, particularly related to flooding in the Great Lakes region. • Demonstrated design skills in outreach or research products. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop educational materials for a public audience, including, but not limited to StoryMaps. 
• Fluency in written and spoken English. 
• Demonstrated ability with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for analyses and as a communication platform. 
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively to support the efforts of the overall project. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, demonstrate flexibility, adapt to changes and provide consistent and accurate information. 
• Must be willing to travel within the work region. 
Preferred Qualifications: 
• Knowledge of Great Lakes, specifically Lake Ontario, flood resilience planning efforts, best management practices, and stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of design and implementation of public exhibits that communicate water resources issues to community audiences. 
• Demonstrated outreach/communication skills and experience developing strong working relationships with research and professional partners, including representatives of state agencies, local and regional municipal governments, and other research and outreach professionals. 
• Knowledge of statistical analysis of U.S. Census data and Social Network Analysis, particularly in R. 
• Knowledge of how to develop scripts for semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups. 
• Demonstrated ability to work with community partners (municipal employees, NGO staff, local extension, and outreach professionals, etc.). 
Supervision Exercised 
The position will involve minimal supervision of other staff and students. This position would minimally assist in providing guidance to support staff or contractors who may be engaged to complete products, such as GIS analysis or fabrication of public outreach displays. This position may also assist in guiding the work of graduate and undergraduate employees involved in NYSWRI research and outreach efforts.
How to Apply- Interested applicants should submit: (1) a curriculum vitae, (2)A statement of contribution to diversity, equity, and inclusion (3) the names of at least three references (4) Cover letter submitted via Academic Jobs Online at the following link: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21955  
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Employment Assistance: 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 University's Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity at voice (607) 255-3976, fax (607) 255-7481, or email at [email protected]. For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application. Notice to Applicants: Please 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 Statement: Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

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