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.
Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station – Field Assistant II, Willsboro, NY
The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) 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 Willsboro Research Farm encompasses 352 acres, with an additional 40 acres of research fields at the Miner Institute in Chazy, NY. Research projects are diverse and include breeding, horticulture and crop and soil science research on small grains, corn, biofuel grasses, grapes, high tunnel production and much more. The farm is managed by CUAES as a site for interdisciplinary applied research. Cooperatively support agricultural research, teaching and extension projects in accordance with the Land Grant Mission.
What You Will Do
As the Field Assistant II you will participate in most phases of research and production to support 10+ faculty research programs. Key Responsibilities will include:
Safely and effectively operate over 40 specialized pieces of farm equipment, under the strict technical parameters of small-plot research.
Primary and secondary tillage, seeding, cultivation, mowing, harvesting and collection of water, soil and crop tissue research samples, pesticide applications, facility care, maintenance, and special projects as assigned.
Work cooperatively to inspect, maintain and repair a diverse fleet of research farm equipment, including tractors, mowers, seeders, cultivators, combines, and haying equipment.
Assist in the maintenance of the farm’s high tunnel and office/barn facilities.
Assist with the installation, monitoring and troubleshooting of irrigation systems.
Record measurements of field environmental conditions as requested.
Properly prepare land and provide basic documentation of field activities.
Respond to assigned service requests in a timely manner with minimal direct supervision.
Some requests will require immediate action and flexibility.
Provide occasional guidance for temporary summer employee(s).
Participate in annual preparations for field days and other agricultural outreach events. Work collaboratively to progress a culture of sustainability. Effectively communicate with all stakeholders.
What We Need from You
You will be most successful in this role if you have a High School Diploma with 2 years’ experience in commercial or research farming or equivalent combination of education and experience. Other requirements include:
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license.
Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals.
Capable of operating farm tractors, trucks, and numerous other pieces of farm equipment including but not limited to: disks, cultivators, mowers, spraying equipment, chainsaws, air tools, backhoe, front end loader, research plot combines, and most common hand-held shop and farm tools.
Ability to routinely perform equipment maintenance (e.g. daily lubrication, oil changes, and replacement of broken or worn parts).
Must possess skills and aptitude in making mechanical repairs.
Experience with irrigation equipment.
Work on all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions, noise, and dust.
Must possess and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license.
Must possess basic computer skills for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, and informational searches.
Demonstrate strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
Able to lift 50+ lbs.
Proven ability to work with other 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.
Must successfully complete chainsaw safety training within 2 years of hire.
Proven ability to communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional knowledge/training with horticultural (e.g. potato, tomato, cut flowers) and agronomic (e.g. soybean, small grains, corn) crops is preferred.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license (1A -plant category)
Greater than 2 years’ experience in commercial or research farming.
Experience with high tunnel production systems.
Essential Working Conditions (after considering reasonable accommodations)
Physical (lift/carry/push/pull): Typically lifts 20 to 50 lbs
Visual: Close concentration/manual dexterity
Hazards: Highly toxic chemicals
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.
Top 10 Benefits Cornell Employees Love!
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply:
You must submit a resume.
When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.
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University Job Title:
Field Assistant II
Job Family:
Academic Support
Level:
B
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
$19.01 - $20.83
Remote Option Availability:
Fully Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Denise Smith
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Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
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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.
2024-03-13
