Technician : Vegetable Field Research Technician

Technician I:

Vegetable Field Research Technician

Technician I:

Vegetable Field Research Technician

This position is located in Albion, New York and is not based on the Ithaca Main Campus.

We are looking for someone who has an excellent work ethic, appreciates agriculture, and can work in commercial vegetable fields that have been sprayed with pesticides. As a Vegetable Field Research Technician (Technician I) with the Cornell Vegetable Program, you will assist Cornell’s top Extension Specialists in all aspects of field research projects conducted on working farms in the great outdoors throughout Western New York.

Pesticides, varieties, and other crop management practices are vigorously tested to determine the best strategies for optimum weed, disease and insect pest control, crop quality and yield, which are also environmentally sound and cost-effective.

In addition, you will assist with educating New York vegetable growers on the latest research results and consequent crop management recommendations through diverse Extension and Outreach activities. Finally, you will keep your finger on the pulse of vegetable crop production through weekly crop scouting. Work may take place in pesticide-treated fields and requires adherence to Worker Protection Standards and other safety protocols.

This position will feature muck-onion production, one of the state’s most exciting highest value and most intensive vegetable production systems.

• Provide technical support to Extension Associates in conducting research projects that support the profitability and sustainability of the vegetable industry.
• Prepare materials for field research and assist with trial setup, crop planting, and plot maintenance.
• Scout commercial vegetable fields for pests, diseases, weeds, and abiotic injury; collect samples and relevant field information and document observations.
• Evaluate crop safety, quality, treatment efficacy, varieties, and crop damage in research plots and grower fields.
• Assist with crop harvesting, measuring, and recording yields, and transport samples to research or storage facilities for further analysis.
• Set up and maintain pest-monitoring traps in grower fields and report findings to the trap network coordinator.
• Enter and manage research data using Excel and other basic statistical software; prepare data tables, charts, and presentation materials.
• Support Cornell Vegetable Program outreach activities and educational programs throughout the region.

• High school diploma and at least one year of experience in an agricultural setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong attention to detail, visual concentration, and manual dexterity.
• Possess excellent organizational experience.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as job responsibilities require.
• Experience using current computer technology, including Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently to collect, organize, and summarize data.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position, with reliable transportation and a valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license, as well as clearance to drive for University business.
• Knowledge of prioritizing multiple activities and tasks while meeting established time frames.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

• Associate’s degree with coursework in vegetable production, entomology, plant pathology, weed…