CALS- Field Assistant III- Field Research Unit; FRU- Agritech

Field Coordinator – Organic & Scouting Field Coordinator The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission.

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell.

The Field Coordinator (Organic) position is within the Field Research Unit (FRU) at the Cornell Agri Tech, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) in Geneva, NY. The FRU manages all land, field facilities, and equipment used in support of field research.

• Provide expertise on diverse agricultural research-specific practices, land preparation, planting, fertilizing, pesticide application, cultivation, general equipment maintenance and modifications, small‑plot research preparation, crop scouting, irrigation, drainage installations, cover crops, and maintain soil fertility management plan.
• Collect data to support the central land use database and keep up to date with new advances in technology.
• Track field operations (work requests, time, and materials) and other records as required by the Unit Leader.
• Interact with other leads within FRU to resolve issues, utilize equipment, and schedule labor.
• Attend educational and training meetings and serve on committees as needed.
• Educate faculty, research technicians, graduate students, and staff on the safe and effective use of specialized farm equipment.
• Communicate and work directly with numerous faculty to ensure project needs are met.
• Make independent decisions that improve research, teaching, and extension projects.
• Promote and implement a culture of sustainability.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate of Science Degree in Plant Sciences or Natural Resources discipline with at least three years of experience or five years of related experience in a research environment.
• Valid New York driver license and successful driver background check.
• Ability to use computer for communications, time entry, scheduling access, product research & online training.
• Capacity to handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and tact.
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate, listen, respect others, set priorities and achieve them, and use time effectively.
• Highly motivated, innovative, good judgment, and reliable.
• Teamwork skills to resolve issues and achieve common goals.
• Service orientation to internal and external customers.
• Excellent oral and written communication; effective listening skills.
• Initiative, anticipation of needs, and adaptability to changing priorities.
• Communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of customers.

• Extensive experience operating farm equipment and implements.
• Working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, Word; ability to complete data entry for work order system.
• Maintain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (part 107) for drone operations.
• Valid NYS Commercial Pesticide License, Category 1A and Category 11(Aerial Pilot) or able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Crop scouting: identify weed, disease, and insect pests; develop management plans.
• Valid CDL license or ability to obtain.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds or more.
• Use protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Work in all weather conditions.
• Handle pressure with initiative.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Work independently while supporting team efforts.
• Understand concepts and methodology behind field research.
• Experienced in best‑practices for specialty vegetable crops, field and cover crops, perennial crops, and Controlled Environment Agriculture.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Safety oriented; train others on safety requirements and regulations.
• Experience working with people from various…