Temporary Program/Extension Aide

Temporary Program/Extension Aide

Temporary Project Field Technician

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Capital District Region of New York State

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University's role as New York State's Land Grant University. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off-campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management, New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City.

The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program is a Cornell Cooperative Extension Regional Agriculture Team that serves a large multi-county region in Eastern New York State. The team consists of 9 specialists who work together with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the industry. The programs provide educational opportunities and information to producers, processors, and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably produce vegetables, small fruit and tree fruit, contributing to the viability of farms and the economic well-being of New York State.

What We Need

As a member of the team, you will provide technical support to area team members in carrying out research activities that will ultimately enhance the profitability and sustainability of the commercial horticulture industry in Eastern New York. You will assist in fieldwork in commercial farms as well as projects and educational programs supported by the team. Other duties include:

• Assist with crop planting and field maintenance.
• Travel to research plots in the region to collect data.
• Collect field data from research and demonstration projects, including variety trials.
• Prepare data tables, charts and information for presentations using Microsoft Office.
• Perform data entry of field data; assist with documentation, evaluation of program activities, and maintaining reports.
• Participate in Worker Protection Safety (WPS) training to work in fields where pesticides are used.
• Update website and social media pages.
• Assist in the preparation and utilization of training and educational materials; gather and coordinate educational materials and lesson plans.

We are looking for someone with an excellent work ethic who appreciates agriculture. We need a talented individual with excellent communication skills who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• Associate's Degree and 1+ years of experience in an agriculture setting or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.
• Competence utilizing current computer technology, i.e. Windows - Excel/Word/PowerPoint.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to prioritize multiple activities and tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills; must be able to work effectively with 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.
• 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.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it's ok if you don't.

• Associate's Degree with coursework in entomology, plant pathology, plant physiology, weed science, horticulture, and/or agronomy.
• Experience supporting research projects, including data collection and summary.
• Experience working in agriculture, horticulture, field crops, and/or cash crops production.

This is a five-month (39 hours/week) appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance. This position will be in the Capital District Region of New York State.

There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State one day a week; an on-site presence in Eastern New York is required four days a week.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $23.40/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.