Temporary Fruit Field Research Technician (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Western New York

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.

   

   

Temporary Fruit Field Research Technician

Cornell Cooperative Extension – Lake Ontario Fruit Program

Cornell University

Western New York

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. CCE puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

The Lake Ontario Fruit Program is one of the premier agricultural extension programs in New York, serving a large multi-county region in the Western part of the state. The team’s Fruit Specialists work together with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the fruit industry.

What You Will Do

You will support team members in carrying out various outreach and research activities for Western New York's fruit industry. You will count and measure apple trunks, buds, flowers, fruitlets, and fruit and must maintain accurate records. Additionally, you will transport samples to storage sites or research facilities for further analysis. Other duties include:

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

• Helping set up and maintain plots as needed for field research.

• Assisting in logistical setup for educational meetings and events.

• Collecting field data from research and demonstration projects.

• Assisting in other fieldwork and projects in commercial fruit farms as needed.

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

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone who appreciates agriculture and can work in commercial fields sprayed with pesticides. 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.

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

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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

• Willingness and ability to learn new Digital Agriculture tools, i.e., operate sensors, instruments, and equipment for data collection, analysis, and management.

• 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 skills; must work effectively with a diverse clientele.

• Proven ability to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.

• 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.

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 or Bachelor’s Degree with coursework in fruit production, entomology, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, and/or agronomy.

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

• Experience working in agriculture or fruit production.

This is a six-month appointment (39 hours/week) from April through October, with possible extension depending on funding and performance. Working overtime (more than 40 hours/week) can be occasional.

The travel of this position may require a non-traditional workweek consisting of three to four 10 – 13-hour workdays. 

This position will be located in Western New York. Fieldwork will be centered in commercial apple orchards in Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, and Wayne counties, as well as Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York.

Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the range of $18.00/hour to $19.00/hour.

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 cover letter.  ​

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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.

   

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

  

University Job Title:

Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician

Job Family:

Temporary Technical

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

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 .

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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu .

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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, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. 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.

2023-03-13