Field Assistant III - Streamside Restoration Technician

Streamside Restoration Technician

Field Assistant III

Band C - Nonexempt
Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

New Paltz, New York

Who We Are

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 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.

What You Will Do

As the Streamside Restoration Technician, you will assist the NYSDEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program with a stream buffer restoration initiative known as Trees for Tribs, as well as other watershed outreach programs. The primary responsibility will be to assist the Stream Buffer Coordinator with spring and fall streamside replanting projects. The Restoration Technician will be responsible for developing and maintaining a plant materials nursery, conducting plant monitoring at previous restoration sites, data entry, providing one-on-one assistance to landowners, assessing and preparing potential planting sites, and leading volunteers at planting projects.

• Implement, monitor, and adaptively manage streamside restoration and enhancement projects.

• Assess and prepare streamside planting project sites.

• Lead volunteers at planting events.

• Develop and maintain a native plant materials center for planting projects.

• Assess and map planted project areas using established protocol.

• Monitor and manage invasive species.

• Instruct landowners in maintenance of restoration areas.

• Update and maintain databases and files.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual that excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders. We need someone who is familiar with restoration using native trees and shrubs. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• Associate’s Degree and up to 2 years’ relevant experience with plant and/or conversation-related fieldwork or equivalent combination.

• Knowledge and ability to identify native trees and shrubs of New York State.

• Strong interest in native plant restoration.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.

• Ability to physically work in field locations that can be difficult to access.

• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain, hills, etc.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.

• Works well with others in a collaborative and positive manner.

• Exceptional attention to detail and strong observational skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate technical information, both verbally and in written form.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to work independently once provided sufficient direction.