Extension Associate
Extension Associate
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$ 75000 - 82000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purposedriven science and Cornell Universitys second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through worldrenowned research education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving nextgeneration scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the worlds 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 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 sciencebased 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 30000 participants annually a strong record of scientific publications and a selfsupporting revenue stream Project FeederWatch is one of the leading participatory science programs globally.
Position Function
- Provide outreach and research direction for Project FeederWatch www.feederwatch a research and education project involving more than 30000 participatory scientists annually in the US and Canada. Manage all aspects of project delivery in the U.S. collaborate with our partners at Birds Canada and direct the broad goals of the project.
- Interface with the Centers tech team to maintain highquality web and mobile platforms for engaging the public in scientific research.
- Pursue and implement external funding (e.g. National Science Foundation grants) to advance novel research studies and approaches for engaging the public in scientific research.
- Initiate and guide ecological and/or social science research using Project FeederWatch data. Mentor research students and work with Lab and external scientists to ensure analysis and publication of project results in scientific literature.
- Maintain the Open Access repository of Project FeederWatch data and analytical code to assist the global research community in successfully accessing and analyzing this unique data resource.
- Serve as the Labs primary voice in communicating science related to backyard birds and participatory science to national and international media.
- Provide leadership within the Engagement Center as we continue to support individuals in their learning and participation journeys.
- Supervise and inspire the team of staff and students working on FeederWatch.
Anticipated Division of Time
Public outreach and science communication. Engage > 30000 people annually in scientific research. Effectively communicate the science generated through FeederWatch and the Center for Engagement in Science and Nature to project participants the public and social and traditional media outlets. Write/edit the projects annual reportWinter Bird Highlights. Promote the project and results from research stemming from the project by conducting interviews with the press (newspaper radio television) and writing articles for newspapers magazines websites etc. Give public lectures as needed. 30
Project management.Oversee day to day operations of project implementation. Contribute to and carry out institutional programmatic vision of project goals and implementation strategies. Manage project budget and assist Engagement Center leadership in the annual budget and forecasting processes. Manage and supervise Project Assistants and other support staff. Mentor staff and provide opportunities for staff development. In coordination with CALS HR conduct annual performance reviews and clearly communicate expectations of staff. Hire train and develop new staff when needed. Manage and supervise volunteers and undergraduates as needed. Track and analyze project participation and goal fulfillment. 30
Scientific Research.Collaborate with other Labbased or external scientists on research involving the FeederWatch dataset. Provide data and analytical guidance to external researchers wishing to use FeederWatch data. Document maintain and disseminate best practices on working with FeederWatch data including sample analytical code. Collaborate with Center leadership on new research initiatives and secure new grant funding (e.g. National Science Foundation opportunities). Provide oversight on project research activities and budgets for grants and contracts. Collaborate with Engagement Center leadership to design research initiatives oversee analyses and publish project results in the peerreviewed scientific literature. Further develop data validation processes and tools. Represent Project FeederWatch the Engagement Center and the Lab at various national and international scientific conferences workshops and seminars when needed. Maintain independent research program that engages Cornell undergraduate students in ornithological fieldwork. 20
Requirements
Masters 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 fieldbased 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 problemsolving 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 birdwatching 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:
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter curriculum vitae contact information for three references and astatement supporting diverse communities(this can be a standalone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how through research teaching service mentoring extension and/or outreach the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornells historical mission of any person any study via the website.
Application review will begin on May 5 2025 and continue until a suitable applicant is identified.
CALS hiring range for this title is $75000 $82000.
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League andLandgrantuniversity 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 universitys mission of teaching discovery and engagement.
Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information clickhere.
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Employment Type
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