Temporary Agricultural Worker

Temporary Agricultural Worker

Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Ithaca, New York

About the College

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: 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.

The greenhouses and growth chambers managed by Cornell AES are vital for research and teaching. They offer carefully controlled environments for complex and sensitive research. Many houses have computerized environmental controls to regulate temperature, light and humidity in the most accurate and engergy efficient way possible.

Our dedicated plant growth facilities staff provides unparalleled service and support - caring for research plants and maintaining the conditions critical for success - 365 days a year.

What We Need

As the Temporary Agricultural Worker, you will maintain appropriate and timely plant care, including watering and fertilizing; monitor the greenhouse environment and greenhouse facilities; and promptly inform the supervisor of any suspected problems. Duties include:

• Cleaning and organizing greenhouses and associated work areas.
• Cleaning and sterilizing pots, organizing supplies, and conducting routine maintenance.
• Mixing and preparing growing media.
• Handling fertilizers, potting materials, and other supplies.
• Autoclave loading, operation, and unloading.
• Interacting in a professional manner with all facility clients and co-workers.
• Helping maintain a safe workplace; fully understanding watering notes and executing plant care instructions as described by growers and checking with supervisor and growers for clarification when needed.

We are looking for a talented individual who enjoys working in greenhouses. Additionally, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and experience with plant care.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently pay close attention to detail.
• Proven competence for observing and identifying plant stressors.
• Physically able to regularly climb and work from a ladder; bend/kneel, climb under benches and equipment; efficiently shovel dense materials; lift over 50 pounds; and ability to work in all temperature conditions including extreme cold and warm.
• Able to safely and effectively work with shop hand tools, portable drills and power saws.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team as well as independently.
• Must be flexible, service-minded and respectful.
• Exhibit good organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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.
• Have reliable transportation and be willing to respond for emergency duty.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, e-mail, and web browsers to communicate on a daily basis with coworkers.

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 in horticulture
• Direct greenhouse growing experience.

This is a five-month, temporary, full-time position at 39 hours/week that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This on-site position is located in Ithaca, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation range is $22.00/hour.

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability.

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