Dairy Environmental Systems Technician (1-Year TERM)

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Dairy Environmental Systems Technician joins the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program in Cornell’s Department of Animal Science, providing technical support for applied research and extension projects that advance dairy environmental management. The role works with program team members and Animal Science faculty on laboratory and field research involving manure management and treatment systems, greenhouse gases and other emissions, cow barn environments, manure characteristics, and soil and water conservation practices. The position maintains research records and equipment, follows standard procedures and safety practices, summarizes data, contributes to reports, and supports extension and outreach activities. It involves extensive year-round fieldwork on dairy farms, working around cattle and manure systems and communicating with farmers, advisors, and the public. The position is fully onsite on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, with work in campus laboratories, at the Cornell research dairy, and on commercial farms throughout New York State. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, typically starting between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m.; some evening and weekend work is required. Farm travel may take one to five days per week and may involve long drives. A project truck is available for business travel. Overnight stays are uncommon but may be needed for conferences or training. Safety training and protective gear are provided. This is a full-time, 97.5% FTE position at 39 hours per week, offered as a one-year term appointment contingent on available work, funding, and performance. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and 2 to 4 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid, unrestricted New York State driver’s license; ability to meet in-state travel requirements, reliable transportation, and clearance to drive for university business.
Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data entry.
Ability to maintain comprehensive, current, accurate, and organized field notes, project records, and datasets.
Ability to manage laboratory procedures and facilitate research protocols following an orientation period.
Personable and flexible, with the ability to express thoughts clearly orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.
Ability to make independent decisions and exercise professional judgment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Experience collecting data and preparing summaries and final reports.
Ability to keep equipment, materials, and laboratory spaces organized.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability and willingness to occasionally work irregular hours.
Willingness to communicate with team members using a personal cell phone.
Sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Ability to cultivate inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to work safely and reliably in year-round dairy farm environments and adapt to weather, farm schedules, and changing project needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, or a related field.
Dairy farm experience and ability to work around livestock.
Experience with R, Python, AutoCAD, HOBOware, or PC400.
Experience and understanding of basic concepts in animal science, nutrient cycling, and biochemistry.
Experience with sensors and gas analytical instrumentation.

Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory and field research evaluating manure management and treatment systems.
Monitor greenhouse gases and other emissions from dairy facilities.
Assess cow barn environments and analyze manure characteristics.
Assess the design and implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
Develop and maintain detailed research records, follow standard operating procedures, and prioritize safety.
Clean and maintain field and laboratory research equipment and workspaces.
Summarize and report research data and contribute to published reports.
Support extension and outreach activities and materials.
Conduct extensive year-round fieldwork on dairy farms, working with and around cattle and manure handling and treatment systems.
Communicate with dairy farmers, their advisors, colleagues, and the public.