blue ocean water with sun setting on the horizon

Water Resources Institute

Identifying and addressing the critical water resource issues facing the state of New York.

About WRI

At the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell University (NYSWRI), we support robust science and dialogue between researchers, managers, policymakers, and the general public to improve water management through:

  • Original research and outreach on topics of local, state, and national importance.
  • Grant and funding opportunities for the higher education community.
  • Outreach and education, related to state-of-the-art research, to various stakeholders throughout New York state.
  • Relationship-building with state agencies, professional organizations, and citizen stakeholder groups.

Work with us

Check below for our current open positions. If there are none below, continue to check back or learn about other ways to get involved with WRI.

Photograph of a stone path on the left running right along a small creek with a bright green canopy of trees.
WRI staff hike up Cascadilla Gorge on a spring morning.

Temporary Great Lakes Water Resources Field Technician

The primary purpose of this position is to support the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's Great Lakes Program through field sampling, technical support, and environmental data management. The technician will assist with preparation for and participation in environmental sampling; calibration, maintenance, and deployment of field equipment; documentation and compilation of water quality and program information; literature reviews; and logistical support for vehicles, trailers, and boats. This position represents a partnership between New York State Water Resources Institute and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Great Lakes Program.

Applications due April 5, 2026.

Learn more and apply here

WRI in the News

Applied Water Research in New York State 2026 Seminar Series

Every year, the New York State Water Resources Institute (NYSWRI) at Cornell supports applied research that address critical water resource problems in the New York State and the nation. This seminar series brings together researchers who work with NYSWRI and state agency partners to support and improve water management in the state. Speakers will present on a broad range of water related topics including water engineering and infrastructure, climate and flood resilience, water quality monitoring and assessment and aquatic ecosystems. The seminar will focus on ways in which robust science can support and influence on-ground management and policy outcomes, and center collaborative and interdisciplinary work between academics, water resource scientists, educators, managers, and policymakers in New York State.

Below are the 2026 seminar recordings.

Applied Water Research in New York State 2025 Seminar Series

Below are the recordings from Spring 2025.

Hudson River in New York City
Watersheds
Photograph of a large group of people wearing athletic clothes standing in a boxing pose.
People
Front view of Mural
Year of Water

Contact Us

New York State Water Resources Institute

B60 Riley-Robb Hall
Cornell University,
Ithaca, NY 14853-5701

Email: nyswri [at] cornell.edu (nyswri[at]cornell[dot]edu)
Phone: 607-254-7163
Fax: 607-255-4449

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram @cornell_nyswri

A large flowing waterfall in the distance, framed by trees on both sides.
Cohoes Falls near the mouth of the Mohawk River. Photo provided.

Great Lakes Program

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
700 Delaware Avenue 
Buffalo, NY 14209

Hudson River Estuary Program

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
21 South Putt Corners Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

Mohawk River Basin Program

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233-3502