Seasonal Turfgrass Pest Management Assistant - Riverhead, NY

Provide technical field and program support for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Turf and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. Responsibilities include scouting and diagnosing turfgrass pests, weeds, diseases, and cultural stress issues on Suffolk County golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and other managed landscapes.
The position will also assist with non-turf IPM activities, including monitoring and documenting applied research and demonstration trials, supporting pest management programs beyond turf (e.g., ticks, ornamentals, and structural pests), and completing office-based tasks such as data management, report preparation, and updating program materials.

    

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work outdoors performing field scouting activities in varying weather conditions
• Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain and lift 20–50 lbs
• Ability to work independently and complete assigned duties efficiently
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions
• Reliability and punctuality
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout Suffolk County using program vehicles or coordinated transportation
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include early mornings, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enrollment in or completion of coursework in turfgrass science, horticulture, plant science, environmental science, or related field
• Experience with turfgrass maintenance or golf course / athletic field operations
• Familiarity with turfgrass pests, weeds, and diseases
• Interest in integrated pest management or applied field research

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Applied Research & Field Scouting (~60%)

• Conduct routine scouting of county turf sites for insects, weeds, diseases, and abiotic stress
• Assist with site inspections of additional county properties for non-turf pest issues (e.g., ticks, ornamentals, structural pests)
• Collect turfgrass, soil, and root samples for diagnostic purposes
• Monitor and document ongoing research and demonstration trials
• Record pest severity, turf quality ratings, and environmental conditions
• Assist with installation and monitoring of pest trapping networks

Program Support & Communication (~25%)

• Maintain scouting reports, field logs, and digital data records
• Communicate site observations with supervising staff and cooperating stakeholders
• Compile and organize data for program reports and summaries
• Assist with preparation of outreach materials or basic communications

Administrative / Coordination (~10%)

• Assist with equipment organization and supply tracking
• Assist with updating website content and program materials
• Support general office tasks including data entry, documentation, and file management

Professional Improvement (~5%)

• Participate in training and skill development activities
• Assist with additional program needs as assigned

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary:            $19-21 per hour (40 hours per week)

Schedule:      NONEXEMPT – TEMP: May 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Cur