Field Assistant S10 - CU Agricultural Experiment Station, Freeville, NY

Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station - S10 Field Assistant

Freeville, NY

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

About Us

The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants.

The Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm, also called Freeville Farm, is located 10 miles from the Cornell campus. It is a primary location for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' historically important vegetable research. Freeville Farm serves several departments, including Horticulture, Entomology, Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology. The 260-acre farm includes a 30-acre parcel for the Freeville Organic Farm. Well-known by local citizens, the farm is popular for its "field days," which give local commercial farmers and amateur gardeners the chance to learn about state-of-the-art planting and best management practices. The farm is managed by CUAES as a site for interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing vegetable production systems for the Northeast.

What You Will Do

As the S10 Field Assistant you will support the farm manager in providing care of resources, facilities and field operations. Assist in all phases of conventional and organic crop research and production to support 22 faculty research programs and provide direct support for research, teaching and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide direction for facility operations during absence of the farm manager.
• Provide complete maintenance inspections, parts procurement, and repair of all farm equipment, while monitoring expense budgets.
• Safely and effectively precision-operate over 40 specialized pieces of farm equipment, under the strict technical parameters of small-plot research.
• Provide direction and training of project staff, graduate students and summer temps.
• Properly prepare land and provide complete documentation of field activities.
• Make safe and accurate pesticide applications; identify appropriate product and rate, calibrate sprayer, utilize multiple sprayer technologies, and conform to all recording and reporting guidelines.
• Oversee the N.O.A.A. weather data collection program, perform online reporting and station monitoring.
• Effectively communicate with all stakeholders.

This position is a full-time (39 hours/week) UAW position located in Freeville, New York.

There may be a requirement to work some weekends, holidays, and the occasional extended hours.

What We Need from You

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 4 years experience in either commercial or organic vegetable production.
• Must possess a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicators certification license (category 1A-Plant).
• Possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Drivers license or be able to obtain one within 12 months of employment.
• Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator certification within six months.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify weed, disease, and insects pests of vegetables.
• Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying. Work in all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions.
• Must possess basic skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Internet navigation for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, information searches, and supply and parts procurement.
• Demonstrate a high standard of service with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with a precise attention to detail.
• Able to lift 50+ lbs.
• Able to operate, service, and repair farm tractors up to 100 horsepower, as well as trucks and numerous other pieces of farm equipment.
• Proven ability to oversee, train, and direct the work of seasonal employees.
• Flexibility to work extended day time hours, weekends, and some holidays.
• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Agriculture with a Horticultural emphasis.
• Experience in equipment fabrication, modification, and design.
• Experience welding mild steels and aluminum.
• Experience with GPS mapping and farm record-keeping.
• Experience with irrigation equipment and operation.
• Experience with greenhouse vegetable production.
• Posses a Class A Commercial Drivers License.

Your Total Rewards

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day), educational benefits, and superior retirement contributions.

How to Apply:

You must submit both a Resume and Cover letter.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

Union Positions

Current Employees:

Online Submission Guidelines:

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.