Temporary Forest Health Technician; Section of Natural Resources); Saratoga Springs

Temporary Forest Health Technician (Section of Natural Resources);
Saratoga Springs, New York

As the Temporary Forest Health Technician, you will provide field support to the New York State Hemlock Initiative’s Hemlock Conservation Team in the Adirondacks region. Responsibilities include surveying hemlock trees for the hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), marking trees for treatment, applying systemic insecticides, and assisting with experimental data collection while following safety protocols.

• Conduct field surveys for hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) using GIS applications for data collection.
• Mark hemlock trees in the field to facilitate chemical treatment.
• Assist with experimental data collection and data entry.

• High school diploma with an interest in scientific study.
• Physical ability to conduct field work in varied weather and rugged terrain.
• Experience in field research, basic data collection, and entry.
• Attention to detail and strict adherence to protocols and rules.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions that support project outcomes.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Motivation and enthusiasm for team environments.
• Flexibility to adjust work assignments as needed.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful work environment.
• Valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license with reliable transportation for travel requirements.
• Experience engaging people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Additional helpful qualifications include experience with pesticide application, interest in insects, tree identification, GIS, and spatial data management.

This is a six‑month, temporary, full‑time position (39 hours/week) contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. The position is on-site in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Compensation range: $22.00/hour.

Cornell offers comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, wellness programs, and employee discounts. Leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation, sixteen holidays (including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving, plus an end‑of‑year winter break from December 25 to January 1), and two additional floating holidays to accommodate faith traditions.

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, race, ethnicity 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. It hires based on merit and encourages 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 (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

It also recognizes a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable federal law.