CALS- Field Assistant III- Field Research Unit (FRU)- Agritech

Cornell University•Geneva, IL

2d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Coordinator (Organic) position is within the Field Research Unit (FRU) - at the Cornell AgriTech, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) in Geneva, NY. Providing direct support for faculty, staff, and students engaged in field research. FRU manages all land, field facilities, and equipment used in support of field research. FRU provides field and research support services for research conducted in Cornell AgriTech field plots. Working in a team environment, the Field Coordinator will be responsible for organic farming operations, facilitating a scouting regimen, leading a technology advancement initiative, acting as a safety coordinator and holding a Commercial Driver’s License. The Field Coordinator is responsible for collaborating with Project Investigators and their staff, FRU staff, and the FRU Unit Leader to accomplish field research needs. The Organic Scouting Field Coordinator will also provide an opportunity to initiate a robust IPM program that would provide project leads more visibility on agronomic issues and will work with our Senior Spray Coordinator and Senior Field Coordinators to present possible recommendations to the project leaders. The field coordinator would also oversee and manage the CDL and tractor training program along with the other safety programs and training documents.

Requirements

General Associate of Science Degree in Plant Sciences or Natural Resources discipline with at least three years of experience or five or more years of related experience in a research environment.
Must possess and maintain valid New York driver license and undergo successful driver background check and employment background check
Must have ability to use computer for communications, time entry, scheduling access, product research & online training
Capacity to handle confidential and sensitive information with utmost discretion and tact required
Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate, listen, respect others, set priorities and achieve them, and use time effectively
Must be highly motivated and exhibit innovation, good judgment and reliability in the workplace
Work with other staff as a member of a team to resolve issues and achieve common goals
Provide and promote service to internal and external customers
Demonstrate ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing; demonstrate effective listening skills
Show initiative, anticipate needs, and act; adapt to changing priorities, situations and demands
Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external customers
Proven ability and extensive experience to effectively operate all types of farm equipment with various farm implements.
Working knowledge of computer programs such as Outlook, Microsoft Excel and Word, as well as ability to understand and complete data entry for work order system.
Must possess valid NYS Commercial Pesticide License, Category 1A and Category 11(Aerial Pilot) or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
Crop Scouting- Demonstrate an ability to identify weed, disease, and insect pests, and develop functional management plans in collaboration with Research Programs.
Must possess and maintain a valid CDL License or be able to obtain
Must be able to lift 50 pounds and up.
Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals and use extreme caution when handling and applying pesticides.
Work in all kinds of unfavorable weather conditions.
Must be able to work under pressure with a great deal of initiative.
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
Must be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team.
Must be able to understand the concepts and methodology behind field research.
Experienced in best-practices for growing specialty vegetable crops, field and cover crops, perennial crops, and Controlled Environment Agriculture.
Must be able to build & maintain effective working relationships.
Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s in agriculture with a proven successful experience in planning, record keeping, and organization, able to make decisions with little direction from Manager.
Must maintain a FAA Remote Pilot Certificated (part 107) for drone operations
Drone pilot license.

Responsibilities

Provide expertise on diverse agricultural research-specific practices, land preparation, planting, fertilizing, pesticide application, cultivation, general equipment maintenance and modifications, small-plot research preparation, crop scouting, irrigation, drainage installations, cover crops, maintain soil fertility management plan, etc.
Provide data collection to facilitate central land use database.
Keep up to date with new advances in technology and the application of that technology within farm operations.
Track field operations (work requests, time, and materials) and other records as required by Unit Leader.
Interact with other leads within FRU to resolve issues, utilize equipment, and schedule labor to accomplish the mission of the FRU.
Attend educational and training meetings as well as serving on committees as needed or assigned by Unit Leader.
Educate faculty, research technicians, graduate students, and staff on the safe and effective use of specialized pieces of farm equipment.
Communicate and work directly with numerous faculty to ensure that their project needs are met.
Make independent decisions which improve the quality of research, teaching, and extension projects conducted at the farm.
Promote and implement a culture of sustainability.
Other duties as assigned.

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