Details
Posted: 14-Jun-25
Location: Ithaca, New York
Type: Full-time
Extension Associate - Project FeederWatch - Lab of Ornithology
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.
About Us
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is the world's leading resource for conservation, research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Staff at the Lab publish research, teach courses, advise students and postdocs, collect and disseminate world-famous digital resources on biodiversity, and engage with partner organizations and citizens around the world to conduct scientific research and facilitate conservation actions.
The Center for Engagement in Science and Nature at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides meaningful opportunities for the public to participate in collaborative scientific research to improve the scientific understanding of birds through collective observation and environmental stewardship. The Engagement Center creatively uses the power of the internet to build science-based conservation communities to tackle the complex issues of how to study and address environmental problems and their impacts on birds. Further, the Center studies the process of involving the public in scientific research, coupling the ecological and social sciences to better understand how to engage the public in meaningful scientific research. Project goals involve varying blends of research, education and outreach. Project FeederWatch is a showcase participatory science program demonstrating how to successfully engage the public in scientific research. With more than 30,000 participants annually, a strong record of scientific publications, and a self-supporting revenue stream, Project FeederWatch is one of the leading participatory science programs globally.
The Cornell Lab is an inclusive community and we recognize that a diverse workforce creates more innovative and impactful work to address global challenges. We are committed to fostering a healthy workplace that values diverse perspectives and backgrounds as well as supporting growth and advancement opportunities. The Lab welcomes staff who are still learning in their careers and who are motivated to take on new challenges.
Requirements
- Master's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience or equivalent combination in ecological field research, along with demonstrated understanding of research methodology and field-based science education.
- Prior experience and interest in formal and informal outreach.
- Proven skills in project management and coordination are essential, along with excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking. Demonstrable abilities to organize and oversee complex projects, manage budgets, complete tasks in a timely and effective manner, and attention to detail as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent working knowledge of current analytical software. Analytical capabilities in the R coding language (or willingness to learn quickly) is required, as is use of GitHub and WordPress.
- Ability to organize and clearly present scientific information in written and oral form.
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Willingness and ability to travel both nationally and internationally as necessary to perform tasks.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in biology, ecology, natural resources or related field.
- Experience in social science research.
- A strong history of impact and productivity in past research and outreach efforts preferred, including engaging the public and undergraduate students in scientific research.
- Experience writing research grant proposals, scientific research papers, and technical documentation.
- Expert knowledge of common feeder/backyard birds in North America and an understanding of the bird-watching mentality.
- Experience presenting at scientific conferences.
Supervision Exercised
Supervise Project FeederWatch staff, including project assistants (currently N = 3) as well as volunteers, interns, and undergraduate students involved in research and outreach.
To apply:
Pay Range:
Refer to Posting Language
Pay Ranges:
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience.
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
Academic Discipline
Unique applicable skills.
Employment Assistance:
Notice to Applicants:
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2025-04-07
