Temporary Project Field Technician (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Southwest New York

Temporary Project Field Technician

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Southwest New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply. 

CALS 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 Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program provides educational opportunities and technical assistance to help the industry with emerging issues, production bottlenecks, and new technologies. Our primary audiences are dairy and field crop producers as well as agri-service providers with secondary audiences of the media, non-farm residents, and consumers.

What You Will Do

As a Temporary Project Field Technician, you will provide technical support to team members in carrying out research activities that will ultimately enhance the profitability and sustainability of the dairy, livestock, and field crops industry in Southwest New York. You will scout commercial fields for insects, diseases, weeds, and crop damage. Other duties include:

• Traveling to research plots in the region to collect data.

• Assisting with crop harvests, measuring, and recording yields.

• Assisting with crop planting and field maintenance.

• Preparing data tables, charts, and information for presentations using Microsoft Office.

• Assisting with logistical set-up for educational meetings and events.

• Transport samples to storage sites or research facilities for further analysis.

What We Need

We are looking for someone with an excellent work ethic who appreciates agriculture and can work in commercial fields that have been sprayed with pesticides. We need a talented individual with excellent communication skills who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 1+ of experience in an agriculture setting or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Proven ability to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.

• Competence utilizing current computer technology, i.e. Windows - Excel/Word/PowerPoint.

• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).  Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to prioritize multiple activities and tasks while meeting deadlines.

• Excellent customer service skills; must be able to work effectively with a diverse clientele.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.

• Will be expected to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends as

• job functions require.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.

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

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Associate’s Degree with coursework in agriculture, animal science, horticulture, crop science, weed science, and/or agronomy.

• Experience supporting research projects, including data collection and summary and statistical analysis.

• Experience working in agriculture, dairy, livestock, or field crops production.

• Possess or have the ability to acquire a New Y