What are the responsibilities and job description for the AWI Seasonal Research Technician position at Adirondack Watershed Institute?
Position: AWI Seasonal Research Technician
Status: Full-time, temporary, seasonal, non-exempt
Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute
Reports to: Senior Research Scientist
Pay: $18 - 21 per hour
College Background
Paul Smith’s College is a private, four-year institution with approximately 750 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Known as the “College of the Adirondacks,” we are the only baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution located within the six-million-acre, world-famous, “forever-wild” Adirondacks in New York’s North Country.
Built on the site of the Adirondacks’ first wilderness resort, Paul Smith’s Hotel, the college is a haven for those who thrive on adventure. We are renowned for our exceptionally hands-on academics, inclusive community, spectacular location, and significant impact on the world around us.
Department Description
The mission of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students.
Position Description
The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is seeking a Research Technician for the summer of 2025.?The position will run from May through August and is scheduled for up to 40 hours per week. This position's primary responsibility is supporting AWI staff with the numerous research and monitoring projects on water bodies and terrestrial environments across the Adirondacks. The position is based at Paul Smith’s College and includes both outside field work and indoor work.
The Research Technician will assist with both aquatic and terrestrial work in support of ongoing research projects. Field-based terrestrial ecological operations may include breeding bird point counts, deployment of infrared trail cameras and/or automated recording units, deployment of track tubes for detection of small fauna, timed amphibian and reptile searches, invertebrate surveys, and vegetation sampling, as well as basic data summary and analysis methods including digitizing, summarizing, and drawing conclusions from data collected during field surveys. Additional duties may include collecting physical, chemical, and biological samples from lakes and streams.
Duties & Responsibilities
Status: Full-time, temporary, seasonal, non-exempt
Department: Adirondack Watershed Institute
Reports to: Senior Research Scientist
Pay: $18 - 21 per hour
College Background
Paul Smith’s College is a private, four-year institution with approximately 750 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Known as the “College of the Adirondacks,” we are the only baccalaureate and graduate degree granting institution located within the six-million-acre, world-famous, “forever-wild” Adirondacks in New York’s North Country.
Built on the site of the Adirondacks’ first wilderness resort, Paul Smith’s Hotel, the college is a haven for those who thrive on adventure. We are renowned for our exceptionally hands-on academics, inclusive community, spectacular location, and significant impact on the world around us.
Department Description
The mission of the Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI) is to protect clean water, conserve habitat and support the health and well-being of people in the Adirondacks through scientific inquiry, stewardship, and real-world experiences for students.
Position Description
The Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is seeking a Research Technician for the summer of 2025.?The position will run from May through August and is scheduled for up to 40 hours per week. This position's primary responsibility is supporting AWI staff with the numerous research and monitoring projects on water bodies and terrestrial environments across the Adirondacks. The position is based at Paul Smith’s College and includes both outside field work and indoor work.
The Research Technician will assist with both aquatic and terrestrial work in support of ongoing research projects. Field-based terrestrial ecological operations may include breeding bird point counts, deployment of infrared trail cameras and/or automated recording units, deployment of track tubes for detection of small fauna, timed amphibian and reptile searches, invertebrate surveys, and vegetation sampling, as well as basic data summary and analysis methods including digitizing, summarizing, and drawing conclusions from data collected during field surveys. Additional duties may include collecting physical, chemical, and biological samples from lakes and streams.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assistance with development of field protocols and data collection instruments.
- Collection of wildlife data for a variety of terrestrial vertebrate taxa.
- Support of field operations such as: general organization, cleanliness, and upkeep of equipment.
- Record keeping and data entry.
- Literature review, GIS analysis, and data summary in support of ongoing research projects.
- General assistance supporting fieldwork and other duties relating to the mission of AWI as needed.
- College course work in environmental science, chemistry, biology, geology, or other natural sciences.
- Interest in environmental science and desire to gain experience working in the field.
- Ability to spend an extended amount of time on your feet.
- Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, including on motorized and non-motorized watercraft (i.e., canoes).
- Experience with land/water navigation and working in remote outdoor environments. Ability to lift/carry 40 lb.
- Ability to perform duties independently and proactively.
- High level of attention to detail.
- New York State Driver’s license and driving record acceptable to the College’s insurance carrier.
- Applicants must have a dependable personal vehicle.
- Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.
Salary : $18 - $21
