S06 Field Assistant - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology – S06 Field Assistant

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

About Us

Located in the beautiful Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world and joins with people from all walks of life to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where several full-time faculty teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, and manage world-class, mission-driven programs.  Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work.

What You Will Do

The Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Field Assistant to assist in maintaining the 590+ acres in Tompkins County and Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. This includes approximately 5 miles of walking trails, ponds, wetlands, and specialized bird feeding gardens. This unique natural environment is utilized by over 60,000 visitors annually and requires specialized and detailed care. Work includes lawn mowing, trailing trimming, spreading wood chips, removing beaver dams, invasive plant removal, tree cutting and assisting other team members when necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform manual labor and independently operate light and heavy equipment for general landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction tasks, including trail maintenance, plant maintenance, litter control, beaver dam removal, snow removal and other duties.

• Promptly report unsafe conditions, damage landscape, equipment, or facilities.

• Safely operate hand and self-propelled equipment and tools including string trimmers, walk behind mowers, pole saws, blowers, hedge trimmers, rakes, shovels, and tractors/utility vehicles to achieve required landscape standards.

•  Subject to shift changes (which may include early mornings and weekends) to meet seasonal work demand.

• May encounter animals. May be exposed to bees/stings, other environmental allergens, and seasonal weather conditions.

This UAW union position is full time for 9 months of the year (April 1 – December 31) and part-time, 20 hours for 3 months of the year (Jan 1 - March 31).

This position may require an adjusted schedule (weather dependent) to meet business needs.  The position is located at the Lab of Ornithology and is fully on-site.

What We Need from You

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• High School education and 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination.  Landscape maintenance or related field experience preferred but not mandatory.

• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use numerous tools and equipment for building/grounds maintenance. At least 1 year of proven experience working with tractors, chain saws, mowers, weed eaters, ATV’s, rakes, shovels, snow blowers, etc. 

• Experienced operating large tractor. 

• Must have and maintain valid NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

• May be required to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle or Cornell-owned) to travel to and from job sites.

• Ability to work comfortably and safely on 10’-12’ stepladders and 24’ extension ladders.

• Knowledge of job-related safety procedures.

• Must keep all assigned safety training current and up to date.

• Must be able to perform heavy lifting over 50lbs.

• Basic computer skills required.

• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team while meeting tight deadlines. 

• Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process is the norm and be a creative problem solver. Must be flexible, open, and receptive to new ideas and approaches and have the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities. 

• Must be able to work well and communicate respectful