Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician; Cornell Cooperative Extension

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician / Temporary Vegetable Field Research Technician

Nonexempt – Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), Batavia, New York

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. The Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP) is one of the premier agricultural extension programs in New York, serving a large multi‑county region in the Central and Western parts of the state. The team’s Vegetable Specialists work with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues impacting the vegetable industry.

You will support the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program team members in carrying out various research and outreach activities in the vegetable industry. You will scout for and assess insects, diseases, and weeds in commercial vegetable fields. Additionally, you will maintain accurate records and assist with data entry and summary.

• Counting and recording insects collected in traps in grower fields.
• Entering and summarizing data; preparing data tables, charts, and information for presentations and reports using Microsoft Office.
• Assisting with crop harvests, measuring, and recording yields.
• Assisting in logistical setup for educational meetings and events.
• Transporting samples to storage sites or research facilities for further analysis.

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 can build and maintain effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High school diploma and 6+ months of experience in agriculture, field biology, ecology, or a similar setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience utilizing current computer technology, i.e., Windows – Excel/Word/PowerPoint.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Excellent organizational experience.
• Knowledge of prioritizing multiple activities and tasks while meeting established time frames.
• Excellent customer service; must work effectively with clientele.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Visual concentration and attention to detail are needed to detect pests and pest damage.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

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:

• Coursework in vegetable production, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, agronomy, field biology, or natural resources/ecology.
• Experience assisting research projects, including data collection and summary.

This temporary position (39 hours/week) is available from June through August with possible extension depending on candidate availability. There may be occasional evening hours scheduled to complete data collection or support educational meetings.

This position will be housed at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Batavia, New York, but will require regular travel throughout the Western part of New York State.

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award‑winning workplace for our health, well‑being, and sustainability…