Freshwater Mussel Biologist - Biological & Environmental Engineering

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Department Background

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 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 State 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.

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.

The mission of New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is to conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being. The Bureau of Ecosystem Health (BEH) in DEC's Division of Fish and Wildlife safeguards New York's fish and wildlife resources through the protection of environmental quality.

The Freshwater Mussel Biologist will work with BEH and in partnership with the New York State Museum (NYSM) on tasks related to native freshwater mussel community research, recovery, and restoration on the Hudson River. Work will focus on understanding impacts from the contamination and cleanup of PCBs on the ecosystem services mussels provide, such as sediment stability, nutrient cycling, and water filtration. The Freshwater Mussel Biologist would apply the knowledge gained on the Hudson River to other large clean-up sites, such as the Grasse River, and other waterbodies where mussels are or may be impacted. Position responsibilities will fall within the following general categories:

• Research and restoration support to foster long term success of native freshwater mussels in NY
• Coordination and collaboration across project partners
• Analysis of existing and collected data, and writing to communicate results to various audiences
• Reporting to ensure compliance with relevant agreements and requirements
• Representation of NYSWRI, Cornell, and project partners (BEH and NYSM)

This is a three year (40 hours/week) appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

The position is stationed primarily at the NYS Museum's Field Research Laboratory in Cambridge, NY.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the field of biological, chemical or physical sciences, with an emphasis on ecology (preferred), natural resource management, or a related field and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination
• Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to write grant applications and develop budgets and contract documents.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective project management and organizational skills.
• Working familiarity with Microsoft Office suite.
• Ability to travel overnight within New York State and work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position (5-10% of monthly time) and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in the field of biological, chemical or physical sciences, with an emphasis on freshwater ecology (preferred), fisheries, natural resource management, or a related field with an environmental restoration focus.
• Experience and training in native freshwater mussel ecology is preferred.
• Knowledge of environmental contaminants and familiarity with aquatic biota sampling methods, including an advanced ability to handle boats and related technology and supporting SCUBA divers.
• Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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