Temporary Vegetable Field Research Technician (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Bativa, New York

Temporary Vegetable Field Research Technician (Cornell Cooperative Extension);
Bativa, New York

Temporary Vegetable Field Research Technician

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Bativa, New York

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (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. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off-campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management, New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City.

The Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP) is one of the premier agricultural extension programs in New York, serving commercial vegetable farms within a large multi-county region in the Finger Lakes and Western part of the state.

As the Temporary Vegetable Field Research Technician, you provide technical support to team members in carrying out research and outreach activities that will ultimately enhance the profitability and sustainability of the vegetable industry. You will scout for and assess insect, disease, and weed pressures in commercial vegetable fields and research trials. Other duties include:

• Assisting with crop harvests, measuring, and recording yields.
• Collecting field data from research and demonstration projects.
• Preparing data tables, charts, etc., for effective data visualization.
• Transporting samples to storage sites or research facilities for further analysis.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who appreciates agriculture and working outside. Specifically, 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.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Possess 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 have and maintain 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 August through October 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.

Compensation is $22.70/hour.

There are additional sections below that provide context on the organization and the work environment. For more information, please refer to the posted materials and official Cornell channels.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.