Field Coordinator, Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station, Aurora, 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.

Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station – Field Coordinator, Musgrave Farm

Aurora, NY

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES) is dedicated to sustainable science for life in its two core functions: the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula funds.  The 450-acre Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora, NY is managed by CUAES as an essential resource for support of interdisciplinary applied agronomic research. The Musgrave Research Farm is one of 9 facilities that are within CUAES across NYS overlooking Cayuga Lake.  Many of Cornell’s agricultural researchers utilize many of the facilities and Musgrave is a vital component of the operation as it relates to NYS agriculture. 

What You Will Do

The Field Coordinator position supports the Farm Supervisor in maintaining the Musgrave Research Farm and supporting the ongoing research at that facility. 

Working in a team environment, the Field Coordinator will be responsible for the operation, training and mentoring research technicians and staff, helping to move the farm further into the precision farming realm, and leading the operation when the Supervisor is not present. 

The Field Coordinator will help foster an environment that brings research staff together working toward a common goal. Job functions include:

• Maintenance, and repair of 40+ pieces of farm/construction equipment ranging from research equipment to high tech field equipment;

• Field operations that include tillage, planting, pesticide application, irrigation, and harvesting;

• Facility and grounds maintenance; operating and maintaining grain storage equipment;

• Working with researchers;

• Parts/supply inventorying and procuring; equipment fabrication;

• Farm infrastructure repair and maintenance including field tiling, drainage work, driveway repair;

• Professional development as it relates to the position

The Field Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with Project Investigators and their staff, AES staff, and the farm Supervisor to accomplish field research needs.

This position is a full-time (39 hours/week) position located in Aurora, New York.

What We Need from You

• Associates Degree and 2 to 4 years’ relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• 3-4 years experience operating and maintaining modern farm machinery

• Capacity to handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion and tact required.

• Ability to multitask.

• Must be highly motivated and exhibit innovation, good judgement, and reliability in the workplace.

• Must possess and maintain a NYS Commercial Drivers’ License.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience planting and harvesting crops with a strong emphasis with corn, hay, wheat, barley, oats, rye, and soybeans.

• 2 years’ experience with modern grain drying and storage facilities/equipment.

• Must be very mechanically inclined, with experience repairing machinery pertinent to agronomic farm operations.

• 2-3 years’ experience in snow plowing, highway maintenance and repairs including field drainage.

• Must be willing to obtain forklift operator certification.

• Must be willing to obtain and maintain a NYS commercial pesticide applicators license within 1 year of hire date.

• Flexibility to work extended daytime hours, weekends, and some holidays.

• Must possess basic skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook and Internet navigation for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, information searches, and supply and parts procurement. 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to work under varying climatic conditions and be exposed to