Watershed Specialist

~ The New York State Water Resources in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering at Cornell University works to improve the management of water resources in NYS. This is accomplished through research and partnerships with agencies and regional partners, such as the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Hudson River Estuary Program Watershed Program. ~

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Since 2000, the Estuary Program's Watershed Program has taken a watershed approach to improve and protect water resources and resilience in the Hudson River watershed by working with, and raising capacity of, local and regional partners, land use decision makers, watershed groups, agencies, and landowners. 

Position Overview

This position is located in New Paltz NY. Under the direction of the Hudson River Estuary Program Watershed Program Coordinator, work collaboratively to help meet Estuary Program Action Agenda targets related to clean water and resilient communities.

The position will be part of a multi-disciplinary team charged with managing and protecting the Hudson Estuary and its watershed through science, outreach and partnerships. As part of a watershed team, this position will support the overall tenant that a healthy Hudson River Estuary needs a healthy watershed.

Work independently with Hudson Valley municipalities, state and county government, regional water professionals, land trusts, and water supply utilities to develop, deliver, and implement watershed management projects in Hudson River tributaries.

The position will collaborate with internal and external programs to provide technical guidance that serve as models. Priorities will be developing programs that support sustainable and resilient drinking water sources and communities.

This will entail watershed approaches to drinking water quality and quantity, maintaining aquatic flow needs below withdrawals, and preparing for climate extremes (flood and drought). Working with communities to become resilient to flood and drought will require multiple interwoven strategies, including characterization, assessment, planning, inter-municipal cooperation, on-the-ground mitigation projects, and leadership. Work under general supervision, keeping supervisor informed of progress.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for making decisions on program implementation and planning to meet outreach and technical assistance needs.
• Assist in researching articles and other similar program that support approaches and techniques to be used.
• Prepare written and oral reports.
• This position requires skills and experience with water resource management, watershed assessments, monitoring data, as well as partner building, communication, and outreach skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with 3-5 years experience or equivalent combination.
• BS in environmental science, environmental studies, earth science, environmental engineering or related field required. 
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with outside constitutes.
• Strong understanding of watershed management and local land use principles. 
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills, including confidence in public speaking. 
• Ability to work as part of a professional team, promoting cooperation, as well as exercising independent judgment to carry out a discrete program. 
• Ability to manage projects with numerous stakeholders and collaborators. 
• Ability to work with diverse groups and stakeholders. 
• Good working knowledge of software programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, and MS Word. 
• Must have and maintain valid driver's license to support required regional travel to perform job duties. 
• Must undergo a successful drivers background check. 
• Establish and regional goals and lead partners in achieving these goals. 
• Ability to lead regional initiatives. 
• Demonstrate skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and proper judgment in accomplishing tasks. 
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University. 
• Must be comfortable with multitasking and adapt to competing priorities. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in environmental related field. 
• Professional experience in drinking water systems and floodplain management. 
• Experience building capacity of partnerships to deliver conservation outcomes. 
• Familiarity with the Hudson River estuary and watershed. 
• Ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS).