Field Assistant S08

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station

Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Freeville, NY

Who We Are:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply.

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.

The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life" in its two core 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 funds. The Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm encompasses 260 acres in Freeville, NY that are readily accessible by faculty and students. Research projects are diverse and include conventional and organic horticultural research by over 20 faculty research programs from 7 different departments.

What you will do:

As the S08 Field Assistant, you will provide direct support for research, teaching and extension in accordance with the Land Grant Mission. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide technical and general labor support for conventional and organic field research trials in a broad range of vegetable crops.
• Assist with field tillage preparation, fertilizing, planting, harvesting, mowing, stone picking and data collection.
• Adhere to and participate in personal safety training, policies, and procedures.
• Adapt the CUAES culture of sustainability as it pertains to reducing resource inputs; protecting the environment and natural resources, facility and equipment use, and alternative crop production practices.
• Responsible for equipment assembly, operation, safety, and modification to meet changing research objectives.
• Additional tasks include herbicide, pesticide, and irrigation treatments, reporting and recording, irrigation system setup and operation, daily performance recording, supply and parts procurement, and facility maintenance.
• Assist programs with harvesting and data collection at the Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm and occasionally travel to locations within New York State.
• Required to support and interact with Faculty, Staff and Graduate students in multiple Departments conducting research trials at numerous locations.
• Oversee daily monitoring and reporting of weather systems information.
• Keep detailed records and assist in overall maintenance and support functions for vegetable and high-tunnel research operations.
• Manage planting schedule for multiple crop production practices.
• For 3 months of the year this position will also support the Cornell Orchard.Responsibilities at the Orchard include tree pruning, apples sorting/bagging, equipment maintenance and repair.

What We Need:

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Formal training beyond a high school diploma, or Associates Degree in agriculture, and 3 to 4 years, or equivalent combination of experience and education in the field of horticulture.
• Good communication skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to navigate internet, computer programs and date sheet entries to support weather monitoring, vegetable plot treatments, inventories, supply procurement, equipment service and work time reporting.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver's license.
• Must have or be willing to obtain and maintain a NYS certified commercial pesticide license within 6 months of hire date.
• Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying.
• Demonstrate an ability to identify weed, disease, and insect pests of agronomic crops.
• Work in all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions.
• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere, and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
• Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator certification within 6 months.
• Proven ability to communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.

Preferred Qualifications are:

• Associates degree in Horticulture and/or 5 or more years of agronomic experience.
• Preferred experience in vegetable production practices on a research facility.
• Knowledge and experience in equipment fabrication, welding, electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and farm equipment mechanical systems repair preferred.

Essential Working Conditions (after considering reasonable accommodations)

Physical (lift/carry/push/pull): Typically lifts more than 50 lbs

Visual: Close concentration/manual dexterity

Hazards: Highly toxic chemicals

Your Total Rewards

This position is part of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The current rate of pay is listed in the collective bargaining agreement here:https://hr.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/2023-04/uaw.pdfand starts at $24.79/hour.

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.

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How to Apply:

You must submit both a resume and cover letter.

• Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

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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.