"Temporary Agricultural Worker - G. Sczepanski Team (Cornell AES); Ithaca, New York"

Temporary Agricultural Worker

Nonexempt
Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Ithaca, New York

Who We Are

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 (Cornell AES) is vital to New York state agriculture and food security. We contribute to healthy and resilient communities, and improve the lives and well-being of people by advancing research on agriculture and food systems, the environment, applied economics, and community and individual development.

Campus Area Farms manages 325 acres on 11 small farms in and around the Cornell Campus that are easily accessible for faculty and students. The different locations offer a variety of soil types, growing conditions and microclimates. Research includes breeding programs on popular food crops, such as tomatoes, small grains, potatoes and pumpkins. Researchers investigate possible genetic improvements that would make these crops more pest and disease resistant, more nutritious and delicious, and better suitable for the fast-changing growing conditions in New York and other comparable climates.

What You Will Do

As the Temporary Agricultural Worker, you will assist the Farm Manager. Job duties include:

• Mowing (lawns and fields).
• Assisting farm crew with irrigation setup.
• Laying and lifting plastic mulch.
• Farm equipment operation.
• Rock picking.
• Weeding.
• Crop scouting
• Assisting the Farm Manager as needed.
• Adhering to all safety protocols with a solid understanding of field/laboratory safety techniques and procedures.
• Completing training on field/lab safety and proper handling of chemicals as required by CALS Environmental Health and Safety.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who enjoys working outdoors. We need someone who is familiar with working on farms. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 1+ years of farm agricultural experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work in field locations that can be difficult to access.
• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain at times.
• Ability lift 50 pounds.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proven experience in communicating effectively, both written and oral.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong observational skills.
• Ability to work independently once provided sufficient direction.
• Ability to work alone or with a team and problem-solve as needed.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• 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 and be cleared to drive for university business.

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:

• Experience working in an agricultural research environment.
• Preferred experience in vegetable production practices on a research facility.

This position is a temporary full-time (39 hours/week) position with a fixed term of April 27, 2026, to October 30, 2026, and will be located in Ithaca, New York.

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

Compensation is $22.75/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 a cover letter.

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