Dairy Sustainability Assistant

We are hiring two Dairy Sustainability Assistants for an anticipated January 18, 2027 start date. Applications submitted by November 9, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Dairy Sustainability Assistant role is located within the department of Animal Science. The primary purpose for this position is to assist in the assessment of whole‑farm nutrient mass balances and greenhouse gas emissions using the Cornell Nutrient Mass Balance (NMB) tool and Cool Farm Platform (CFP), with opportunities to assist in other sustainability tools, assessments and indicators.

• Help with development and improvements in farm data collection and input templates, extension training materials for farmers and public and private sector nutrient management planners and crop advisors, entry of farm data, preparation of farm reports, and the analysis of nutrient balances and carbon footprints.
• Assist in farm data collection, data quality checks, and reporting results back to the participating farmers and farm advisors. In addition to NMB and CFP assessments, this position may also aid in the evaluation and application of additional sustainability assessment tools, including FARM-ES, COMET, and approaches for assessing on‑farm biodiversity.

This is a full‑time, one‑year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

An on‑site presence is required.

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:
We believe that achieving next‑generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

The Department of Animal Science’s mission is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the biology and management of domestic animals and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. Our department is devoted to undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, extension and outreach.

The sustainability of animal feeding operations in New York depends greatly on their ability to increase nutrient recycling on the farm, reduce N and P losses to the environment, reduce cost of production and increase yield and milk sales. The Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) team within the Department of Animal Science works on applied research and extension projects to quantify nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural forage production (corn silage and hay fields) as impacted by crop and fertility management.

The NMSP leads the development of Cornell guidelines for nutrient management of field crops in New York and aids in its statewide implementation.

You will thrive in this role if you demonstrate:

• Data accuracy and practical analysis: Carefully organizes, checks, and processes farm data using Excel and assessment tools. Identifies missing information or discrepancies, troubleshoots with colleagues, and helps produce accurate, useful farmer reports.
• Clear communication and reliable follow‑through: …