Ocean and Coastal Resource Specialist
Extension Associate
New York Sea Grant
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Cornell University
Stony Brook, New York

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.

New York Sea Grant (NYSG), one of the largest of the state Sea Grant programs, is a cooperative program of the State University of New York (SUNY) and Cornell University. Residents of New York State depend on our coasts for ports and marinas, trade and recreation, and their contribution to economic and environmental sustainability. NYSG is currently “making a difference” by supporting about 45 important research and outreach projects on issues such as shoreline protection, fisheries, aquatic invasive species, water quality, and harmful algal blooms.

What You Will Do

You will plan and conduct extension education programs related to ocean and coastal impacts of human activities related to offshore energy, marine debris, and water quality for New York State’s Marine and Coastal District; however, some programming support may also be needed for the Great Lakes region. You will collaborate with ocean stakeholders, community partners, and agencies to develop enduring and empowering relationships for the proliferation of ocean literacy in relevant communities. Other responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing an extension and outreach program to inform and support management, conservation, restoration, and sustainable development activities.
• Providing leadership for the design, execution, and analysis of major educational program evaluations.
• Integrating Sea Grant Extension and University coastal resources programming initiatives into a statewide, regional, and/or national context.
• Implementing programs using various extension tools such as publications, electronic technology, group experiences, mass media, individual advisement, websites, visualizations, and other related techniques. 
• Actively pursuing outside grants and contracts to support the program area.  
• Developing networks of volunteers to assist in educational program development.

This position is full-time and will be located in Stony Brook, New York. This is a two-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address stakeholder needs and translates science-based research. In this role, you will work within the Marine District region and develop a unique and impactful extension and applied research program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s level degree in ocean and coastal management, marine policy, environmental management/policy, marine sciences, natural resource management, or other related fields.
• 2+ years of experience working with outreach or similar public education program.
• Knowledge of principles, theory, research, and educational materials in the subject matter field and knowledge of extension methods related to the area of specialization.
• Advanced computer skills and the ability to use computer and long-distance education technologies in this area of extension programming expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to develop adult educational/outreach programs.
• Knowledge to define, conduct, and interpret original applied research and/or demonstration projects.
• Ability to lead and effectively participate in professional team efforts; relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, various ocean stakeholders (e.g., fishers, shipping interests, non-consumptive recreation users, etc.), community and professional leaders, and targeted audiences.
• Communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels.
• 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.

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:

• Experience working on offshore wind issues.
• Use of social science research methods.
• Experience with facilitation.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and generous retirement contributions.
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25 through January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Part-time Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program.
• We invite you to follow this link to get more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/summaries-benefits.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs On-line (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/18470).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website. 

For full consideration, applications must be submitted by May 21, 2021. However, the position will remain open until filled.

For a full position description, go to https://seagrant.sunysb.edu/articles/r/2787 or contact Pat Hoyt via email prh22@cornell.edu or phone at 607-255-2832.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.