Organic & Scouting Field Coordinator

   

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Department Background: 

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.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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.  CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

The Field Research Unit (FRU) provides services to faculty, staff and students engaged in field research at Cornell AgriTech.  FRU manages all land, field facilities, and equipment used in support of field research.  FRU provides basic services for research conducted in Cornell AgriTech field plots including but not limited to site preparation, fertilization, and pesticide applications. 

Rewards And Benefits:

Competitive compensation, generous time-off, and great benefits …More on Cornell Benefits

Position Summary:

The Field Coordinator (Organic) position is within the Field Research Unit (FRU) - at the Cornell AgriTech, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) in Geneva, NY. Providing direct support for faculty, staff, and students engaged in field research. FRU manages all land, field facilities, and equipment used in support of field research. FRU provides field and research support services for research conducted in Cornell AgriTech field plots.

Working in a team environment, the Field Coordinator will be responsible for organic farming operations, facilitating a scouting regimen, leading a technology advancement initiative, and a safety coordinator with a Commercial Driver’s License.  The Field Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with Project Investigators and their staff, FRU staff, and the FRU Unit Leader to accomplish field research needs.

The Organic Scouting Field Coordinator will also provide an opportunity to initiate a robust IPM program that would provide project leads more visibility on agronomic issues and will work with our Senior Spray Coordinator and Senior Field Coordinators to present possible recommendations to the project leaders.  The field coordinator would also oversee and manage the CDL and tractor training program along with the myriad of other safety programs and training documents.

Responsibilities of the Field Coordinators and management include, but are not limited to the following: Provide expertise on diverse agricultural research-specific practices, land preparation, planting, fertilizing, pesticide application, cultivation, general equipment maintenance and modifications, small-plot research preparation, crop scouting, irrigation, drainage installations, cover crops, maintain soil fertility management plan, etc. Provide data collection to facilitate central land use database. Keep up to date with new advances in technology and the application of that technology within farm operations. Work often involves inclement weather conditions.

Track field operations (work requests, time, and materials) and other records as required by Unit Leader. Interact with other leads within FRU to resolve issues, utilize equipment, and schedule labor to accomplish the mission of the FRU. Attend educational and training meetings as well as serving on committees as needed or assigned by Unit Leader. Educate faculty, research technicians, graduate students, and staff on the safe and effective use of specialized pieces of farm equipment. Communicate and work directly with numerous faculty to assure that their project needs are met.  Make independent decisions which improve the quality of research, teaching, and extension projects conducted at the farm. Promote and implement a culture of sustainability. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

General

• Bachelor’s in Agriculture or Natural Resources discipline with at least three years of experience or five or more years of related experience in a research environment.
• Must possess and maintain valid driver license and undergo successful driver background check and employment background check
• Must have ability to use computer for communications, time entry, scheduling access, product research & online trainings
• Capacity to handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and tact required
• Ability to multitask 
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate, listen, respect others, set priorities and achieve them, and use time effectively 
• Must be highly motivated and exhibit innovation, good judgment and reliability in the work place 
• Work with other staff as a member of a team to resolve issues and achieve common goals 
• Provide and promote service to internal and external customers 
• Demonstrate ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing; demonstrate effective listening skills 
• Show initiative, anticipate needs, and take action; adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external customers

Field Coordinator Specific

• Proven ability and extensive experience to effectively operate all types of farm equipment with various farm implements.
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Word, as well as ability to understand and complete data entry for work order system. 
• Must possess valid NYS Commercial Pesticide License, Category 1A.
• Crop Scouting- Demonstrate an ability to identify weed, disease, and insect pests, and develop functional management plans in collaboration with Research Programs.
• Must possess and maintain a valid CDL License or be able to obtain
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and up. 
• Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, and use extreme caution when handling and applying pesticides. 
• Must be able to adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands. 
• Work in all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions. 
• Must be able to work under pressure with a great deal of initiative. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects. 
• Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team. 
• Must be able to understand the concepts and methodology behind field research.
• Experienced in best-practices for growing specialty vegetable crops and field and cover crops.
• Must be able to build & maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
• Must be skilled in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Internet navigation.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven successful experience in planning, record keeping, and organization, able to make decisions with little direction from Manager.  Drone pilot license.

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

No relocation assistance is available for this position.

   

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University Job Title:

Field Coordinator

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

D

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$23.43 - $27.23

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jessica Townley

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

• Unique applicable skills

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

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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.

2023-10-04