Research Support Specialist III-Great Lakes Water Resources Scientist- Albany NY

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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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being. 

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. 

Great lakes Water Resources Scientist:
The NYSWRI achieves its goals through research and partnerships with agencies and regional partners, such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Great Lakes Watershed Program (GLWP). Subject to development of Annual Work Plans, the Great Lakes Water Resources Scientist will support the GLWP and provide water quality/chemistry expertise and scientific support to effectively implement NY’s Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA), Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Lakewide Action and Management Plans (LAMPs), the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI), Area of Concern Remedial Action Plans (RAPs), Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Mitigation Plans, and associated water quality management plans consistent with local and NYS priorities, including federal/binational programs where applicable. Duties may include, but not be limited to, project planning, management and implementation relating to applied research, supervision of interns and lower-level scientists, coordination with NYSDEC staff and leadership on GLWP projects, water quality monitoring, waterbody and watershed load modeling and assessment, water supply conservation and efficient use planning, environmental health risks, and climate resilience of New York’s Great Lakes and contributing watersheds.

This position, located in NYSDEC’s Central Office in Albany, NY is a one-year termed appointment. Annual appointments are expected and will be conditional upon satisfactory performance and available funding. 

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide applied research support to DEC’s Great Lakes Program, to inform and advance implementation of NY’s Great Lakes Action Agenda, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie Lakewide Action & Management Plans, Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative, and to support other NYS water quality priorities and initiatives as they relate to NY’s Great Lakes and their watershed.  
• Develop and implement ecosystem-based watershed and waterbody condition assessments, restoration and watershed management plans to enhance, restore and protect groundwater and surface waters, and associated tributary and lake ecosystems. 
• Communication of complex technical information/data with diverse audiences on water quality issues being addressed through the Great Lakes Action Agenda, Lakewide Action & Management Plans, Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative, Remedial Action Plans, Total Maximum Daily Load/9-Element Watershed Plans for contaminant reduction, Harmful Algae Bloom Assessment & Mitigation and other pertinent New York State initiatives or plans.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in the field of limnology, biology, chemistry, ecology, natural or environmental science, or a related field; 5 years of professional research experience or equivalent involving water quality/chemistry science;
• Applied knowledge of statistical analysis, GIS and relational databases, and watershed and waterbody assessment modeling (e.g. SWAT, SPARROW, HEC-RAS, etc.) including proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis and software, and Microsoft Office suite.
• Must be able to design and conduct field sampling work on lakes & streams, work in adverse weather conditions, negotiate difficult terrain and work in remote areas, and physically operate water monitoring equipment; 
• Experience with data analysis techniques used for water resource science research and its communication, both verbal and written, to a variety of audiences;
• Ability to formulate, organize, track, and manage multiple tasks; skilled in project planning, budgeting, prioritization and facilitation;
• Individuals must be able to travel overnight (typically within NY’s Great Lakes basin, but also includes out-of-state and travel to Canada as needed) and after hours/weekends (on limited occasions). A valid New York State Driver’s License and/or enhanced NYS Driver’s License or valid passport is required.
• Proven ability to work in a multicultural environment.

  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in limnology, biology, chemistry, ecology, natural or environmental science, or a related field
• 5-7 years government, non-government organizational or academic research experience;
• Experience supervising others to achieve project objectives/outcomes, budget and regulatory compliance;
• Proven ability to mediate sensitive issues among diverse stakeholders and to facilitate productive multi-stakeholder collaborations and outcomes
• Knowledge of New York State water quality management and regulatory programs, including TMDLs, 9-Element Watershed Management Plans, SPDES permits and associated modeling components;
• Demonstrated proficiency writing and presenting technical reports to diverse technical and non-technical audiences 
• Knowledge and/or experience in one or more of the following:
• Experience with Nuisance/Harmful Algal Blooms, chemical pollutant assessment/control, contaminants of emerging concern or other indicators of water quality problems or use impairments;
• Working knowledge of the mechanisms related to primary productivity of algal blooms occurrence, secondary productivity, and nutrient cycling;
• Demonstrated proficiency on the fate and transport of nutrients and toxic chemicals from point and non-point sources, including agriculture and non-agricultural sources;
• Knowledge of web-based tools for organizing and displaying water quality and environmental data for diverse audiences.
   

  

University Job Title:

Research Support Spec III

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$72,558.00 - $88,681.00

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Alisa Gardner

Number of Openings:

1

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Noted 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 criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Unique applicable skills.

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2022-09-19-07:00