The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply.
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.
What You Will Do
As the Climate Adaptation Specialist, you will work closely with staff from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Office of Climate Change and Office of Water Resources. You will support the development of an ecosystem-based adaptation implementation strategy for New York communities. Additionally, you will utilize watershed-based studies developed by the Resilient NY Streams initiative to advance flood and ice jam hazard mitigation projects. Other duties include:
Providing outreach and technical assistance to local communities regarding watershed-based climate resilience project implementation.
Assisting in the identification and/or development of processes, protocols, tools, best practices, and guidance for implementing effective watershed-based climate resilience projects.
Identifying resilience project funding sources and supporting securing project funding, procurement, and contract management.
Providing support and technical assistance to the DEC for implementing high-priority resilient streams and wetlands projects.
Prioritizing and selecting communities for participation in state adaptation programming.
What We Need
We are looking for a talented individual who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone interested in promoting the adoption and implementation of nature-based solutions that advance local and ecoregional climate adaptation and resilience in New York State. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:
Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant experience in a field related to climate resilience science, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, engineering, planning, or public policy, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing spatial and non-spatial datasets, including developing and maintaining metadata and working with relational databases, or demonstrated experience working with Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms.
General knowledge of the causes and impacts of climate change.
General knowledge of water resources and/or natural resources practices.
Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to prioritize multiple activities and tasks while meeting deadlines.
Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and solution-finding skills.
Must be flexible and receptive to new ideas and approaches.
Ability to provide consistent and accurate information.
Willing and able to attend statewide functions and events.
Will be expected to occasionally work flexible hours, evenings, and weekends as job functions require.
Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:
Master’s degree in a field related to climate resilience science, hydrology, geology, natural resource management, engineering, planning, public policy, or other related field.
Professional or volunteer experience in county, municipal, community, land-use planning, or climate change adaptation.
Experience with engagement and capacity building, especially with local governments and/or community-based organizations.
Creativity in developing and delivering outreach materials, including public speaking and translating technical information into clear and accessible messaging.
Knowledge of solutions for climate adaptation, equity, and resilience.
Working knowledge and/or lived experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) topics, including environmental justice.
Experience working with disadvantaged or marginalized communities to facilitate their participation in decision-making and/or to identify environmental issues of concern that affect them.
Working understanding of the roles of relevant federal and state regulations, guidance, and funding.
This is a one-year (40 hours/week) appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.