Research Support Specialist II - Ecotoxicologist - BEE

at  Cornell University

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 Ecotoxicologist will work with BEH on tasks related to the assessment of contaminant effects on fish and wildlife resources and development of ecological criteria and standards for contaminants in environmental media. Position responsibilities will fall within the following general categories:

• Guidance document and criteria creation & evaluation focused on environmental media, fish, and wildlife.
• Field sampling and associated risk analysis
• Reporting to ensure compliance with relevant agreements and requirements
• Representation of NYSWRI, Cornell, and project partners (BEH)

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.
• Experience and/or training in ecotoxicology and environmental contaminants.
• Strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to write technical documents.
• Must be able to demonstrate effective project management skills.
• A working familiarity with Microsoft Office suite is required.
• 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.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’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 1+ years of professional experience.
• Familiarity with terrestrial and aquatic biota sampling methods, contaminated site remediation, and statistical analysis

• Guidance document and criteria creation & evaluation focused on environmental media, fish, and wildlife.
• Field sampling and associated risk analysis
• Reporting to ensure compliance with relevant agreements and requirements
• Representation of NYSWRI, Cornell, and project partners (BEH