"Quality Milk Production Services Field Technician (Ithaca, NY)"

The Quality Milk Production Services team at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a Field Technician to support delivery of on-farm mastitis control services. This role involves close collaboration with program veterinarians and farm personnel to collect diagnostic data, evaluate herd management practices, and troubleshoot milking system performance. The ideal candidate is dependable, adaptable to variable schedules, and capable of managing a diverse workload across farm and laboratory environments.

What You’ll Do (and Why It Matters)

As part of a collaborative, mission-driven team, you’ll help dairy farms across the region improve cow health, milk quality, and sustainability. Your work directly supports animal welfare, food safety, and public trust in agriculture.

• Make a Difference on Farms: Travel to dairy farms across New York to conduct health surveys that support healthier cows and better milk production.
• Collect Samples with Purpose: Use aseptic techniques to gather milk and environmental samples that help diagnose and solve real-world herd health challenges.
• Be Part of a Problem-Solving Team: Partner with field veterinarians to investigate on-farm issues and support producers in reaching their milk quality goals.
• Advise and Empower Farmers: Share practical recommendations with dairy producers on sanitation, milking routines, and herd management by helping them reduce mastitis and improve animal care.
• Turn Data Into Action: Analyze survey data and lab results using industry software like DC305, DHIA, and LIMS to inform decisions and track progress.
• Teach, Learn, and Grow: Train and mentor veterinarians, students, and interns in best practices for mastitis prevention and milk sampling while continuing to expand your own skills in the field.

Employees working in the laboratory must receive the pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis vaccination series prior to or immediately after hire, which will be paid for by the department.

What We’re Looking For

We’re searching for curious, reliable team players who are passionate about animal health, sustainability, and making a real difference in the dairy industry.

• Education & Experience: Associate’s degree in a science-related field with up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent hands-on experience in agriculture or dairy.
• Dairy Know-How: Solid understanding of how dairy farms operate, from animal care to milking routines.
• Tech-Savvy & Willing to Learn: Comfortable using Microsoft Office and open to learning dairy-specific software (e.g., DC305, DHIA, LIMS).
• Hands-On Skills with Cattle: Confident and safe around dairy cows, including collecting milk samples and recognizing signs of abnormal milk or mastitis.
• Sharp Thinking: You bring sound judgment, strong problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Self-Starter, Team Player: Organized, dependable, and able to manage your time well. You thrive in a collaborative, supportive team environment.
• Discretion & Integrity: You know how to handle sensitive information respectfully and professionally.
• Physical Readiness: Able to lift, push, or carry up to 50lbs and work comfortably in a farm setting.
• Driver’s License & Travel Flexibility: Valid license required. Occasional overnight travel to farms is part of the adventure.
• Inclusive Mindset: Committed to building respectful, collaborative relationships with coworkers, students, and farm partners from diverse backgrounds.

We’re especially excited to meet candidates who bring:

• A bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field
• 2 or more years working on a dairy farm
• Cultural awareness and basic understanding of Hispanic communities, along with the ability to communicate in Spanish
• Interest or experience in real-world, hands-on research projects

Important Details about the Position

This is an onsite position located in Ithaca, NY. This is a full-time three-year term position with potential for extension contingent upon funding and performance. We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. This position requires a valid driver’s license to work and travel during irregular hours. Occasional overnight travel may be required. While the regular business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the specific schedule may change to meet the needs of the business, requiring employees to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and University holidays and scheduled breaks.

The Following Documents are Required to be Submitted with your Application

• Resume
• Cover Letter

What We Offer

Great benefits! Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. 3 weeks of paid vacation, 13 additional holiday days with 2 additional floating holidays to be used at your discretion. An award-winning employer provided benefits program including comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, generous retirement contributions, and impressive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance program. Follow this link for more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits

Employees are expected to meet all of the Cornell University Staff Skills for Success, which are essential for individual and organizational success.

Who We Are

The Animal Health Diagnostic Center (AHDC) is a high visibility and high-volume veterinary diagnostic laboratory that promotes the health, productivity, and welfare of food-and fiber-producing animals, companion animals, and zoo and wildlife populations. Through its comprehensive veterinary diagnostic services, the AHDC detects animal diseases and supports animal and public health, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters economic growth. Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS), a program within the AHDC, serves the dairy industry of New York State by promoting the production of high-quality milk through the control and prevention of mastitis, prudent use of antimicrobials, and implementation of good farming practices. QMPS meets the needs of the dairy industry through an integrated program of Field Services, Laboratory Services, Educational Programs and Research, all provided by four locations across the state (Canton, Cobleskill, Ithaca, Warsaw).