Dairy Environmental Systems Technician (1-Year TERM)

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

2d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Dairy Environmental Systems Technician will join the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program within Cornell’s Department of Animal Science. Working with program team members and Animal Science faculty, you will provide technical support for applied research and extension projects that advance dairy environmental management. This role involves conducting laboratory and field research on manure management, emissions monitoring, barn environments, manure characteristics, and soil and water conservation practices. The technician will also develop and maintain research records, follow safety procedures, maintain equipment, and contribute to data summarization, reports, and outreach materials. A significant part of the role includes extensive fieldwork on dairy farms, interacting with farmers, advisors, and the public.

Requirements

Associate’s degree and 2 to 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license, meet the in-state travel requirements of the position, have reliable transportation, and be cleared to drive for university business.
Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data entry.
Ability to keep comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate field notes and project records in an organized manner.
Ability to efficiently manage laboratory procedures and facilitate research protocols, following an orientation period.
Must be personable, flexible, with a proven demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.
Ability to make independent decisions as well as exercise professional judgment.
Ability to work successfully independently as well as in a team environment.
Experience in collection of data and preparation of summaries and final reports.
Ability to keep the equipment, materials, and lab organized.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to occasionally work irregular hours.
Must be willing to communicate with team members using a personal cell phone.
Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
Dairy farm experience and ability to work around livestock.
Experience with computer programs such as R, Python, AutoCad, HOBOware, PC400.
Experience and understanding of basic concepts of animal science, nutrient cycling and biochemistry.
Experience with sensors and gas analytical instrumentation.
Prior dairy experience is welcome, along with a willingness to learn about dairy production and environmental systems.

Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory and field research to evaluate manure management and treatment systems, monitor greenhouse gases and other emissions from dairy facilities, assess cow barn environments, analyze manure characteristics, and 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, contribute to published reports, and support extension and outreach activities and materials.
Conduct extensive fieldwork on dairy farms, working directly with and around dairy cattle and manure handling and treatment systems, and communicating with dairy farmers, their key advisors, and the public.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program