Technician III - Cornell Soil Health Testing Service Facility

Join Our Team as the Technician III for the School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) Soil Health Testing Service Facility at Cornell University!

If you're eager to make an impact and be part of a dynamic team, then we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us!

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 The Department

The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. The Cornell Soil Health Lab testing division conducts a variety of soil tests for farmers, gardeners, agricultural service providers, land managers and researchers world-wide.

About the Opportunity

The Technician will be responsible for Soil Respiration Analysis including:

• Quality control check

• Generating and preparing data for Cornell Soil Health Reports

• Improving upon and evaluating efficiencies and methods

• Lead all Respiration trainings, lab demos and talks for classes and visiting scientists

• Maintaining equipment, troubleshoot equipment, and/or arrange for maintenance as needed

• Updating SOP as needed

Data management including:

• Entering, developing, and maintaining all Grower Data into CSHL database

• Emailing clients when needed to confirm data or obtain additional data

• Sending out “sample received” emails on a weekly basis

This role will be processing samples, which requires flexibility regarding shifting priorities and occasional long hours to stay on target for lab analysis completion. Training and overseeing other technicians and student worker in support roles for this position. Assist with Soil Health Report (SHR) generation and oversee lab safety protocols.

This is a full-time position with funding through January 30, 2026. This position allows for a hybrid work arrangement with the ability to regularly be performed at least partially remotely.

What We Need

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

• Associate’s degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• Prior knowledge of safety protocols in a lab setting and proper waste handling.

• Experience with Microsoft office suite – including word, PowerPoint and excel and familiarity with outlook.

• Ability to communicate verbally and written with faculty, staff and students.

• Prior experience in agriculture or soil and plant related laboratory environment.

• High levels of organizational skill development, flexibility and willingness to learn new or expand old skills.

• Able to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish complex tasks to achieve departmental objectives.

• Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the Lab, SIPS and the University.

• Knowledgeable regarding soil sample handling across varied soil analytical environments.

• Competent in learning and contributing to the special requirements of each of the soil health lab SOPs.

Preferably, the successful candidate will also have the following:

• Associate’s degree in an earth system science, agriculture or soil and plant related field, or at least four years prior experience in a soil lab environment.

• Applicant should be comfortable with quarantined soil handling, processing, and disposal, according to approved methodologies.

• Applicant should have experience in soil lab analyses.

• Applicant should be knowledgeable about general soil health concepts.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: