Project Field Technician (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Portland, New York

   

Project Field Technician

Technician I

Band A - Nonexempt
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Portland, New York

Who We Are

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program (LERGP) is a regional agriculture extension program with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE). It primarily serves grape growers within Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara Counties in New York and Erie, County Pennsylvania, but is also a resource for growers in other parts of New York State and the Northeastern U.S.

What You Will Do

As the Project Field Technician, you provide technical support to team members in carrying out research activities that will ultimately enhance the profitability and sustainability of the grape industry served by the Lake Erie Regional Grape Program (LERGP). You will scout for insects, diseases, weeds and crop damage. Other duties include:

• Traveling to research plots in the region to collect data.

• Assisting with crop harvests, measuring, and recording yields.

• Preparing data tables, charts, and information for presentations using Microsoft Office.

• Assisting in logistical set-up for educational meetings and events.

• Transport samples to storage sites or research facilities for further analysis.

What We Need

We are looking for someone with an excellent work ethic, who appreciates agriculture, and can work in commercial fields that have been sprayed with pesticides. We need a talented individual with excellent communication skills who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High School diploma and 1+ years of experience in an agriculture setting, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Able to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.

• Experience utilizing current computer technology, i.e., Windows - Excel/Word/PowerPoint.

• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.

• Possess excellent organizational experience.

• Knowledge of prioritizing multiple activities and tasks while meeting established time frames.

• Excellent customer service; must work effectively with a diverse clientele.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.

• Will be expected to work flexible hours, occasional evenings, and weekends as job functions require.

• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.

• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. 

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Associate’s Degree with coursework in viticulture, entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, weed science, horticulture, and/or agronomy.

• Experience supporting research projects, including data collection and summary.

• Basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping systems.

• Experience working in agriculture, fruit and/or vegetable production.

This is a one-year appointment (39 hours/week) with possible extension depending on funding and performance. Hours may be reduced to a minimum of 20 hours/week during winter months, depending on available work and funding. This position will be located in Portland, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the range of $18.80/hour to $19.60/hour.

• You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success .

• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards .

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.  ​

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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 strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

   

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University Job Title:

Technician I

Job Family:

Technical

Level:

A

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$18.58 - $20.55

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Janet Camilli

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)

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator .

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates .

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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.

2024-02-14