Seasonal Turfgrass Pest Management Assistant - Riverhead, NY
About The Position
Provide technical field and program support for the Cornell Cooperative Extension Suffolk County Turf and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. Responsibilities include scouting and diagnosing turfgrass pests, weeds, diseases, and cultural stress issues on Suffolk County golf courses, athletic fields, parks, and other managed landscapes. The position will also assist with non-turf IPM activities, including monitoring and documenting applied research and demonstration trials, supporting pest management programs beyond turf (e.g., ticks, ornamentals, and structural pests), and completing office-based tasks such as data management, report preparation, and updating program materials.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Ability to work outdoors performing field scouting activities in varying weather conditions
- Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain and lift 20–50 lbs
- Ability to work independently and complete assigned duties efficiently
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Reliability and punctuality
- Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Word and Excel
- Ability to travel to multiple work sites throughout Suffolk County using program vehicles or coordinated transportation
- Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
- Ability to work flexible hours which may include early mornings, as appropriate.
Nice To Haves
- Enrollment in or completion of coursework in turfgrass science, horticulture, plant science, environmental science, or related field
- Experience with turfgrass maintenance or golf course / athletic field operations
- Familiarity with turfgrass pests, weeds, and diseases
- Interest in integrated pest management or applied field research
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine scouting of county turf sites for insects, weeds, diseases, and abiotic stress
- Assist with site inspections of additional county properties for non-turf pest issues (e.g., ticks, ornamentals, structural pests)
- Collect turfgrass, soil, and root samples for diagnostic purposes
- Monitor and document ongoing research and demonstration trials
- Record pest severity, turf quality ratings, and environmental conditions
- Assist with installation and monitoring of pest trapping networks
- Maintain scouting reports, field logs, and digital data records
- Communicate site observations with supervising staff and cooperating stakeholders
- Compile and organize data for program reports and summaries
- Assist with preparation of outreach materials or basic communications
- Assist with equipment organization and supply tracking
- Assist with updating website content and program materials
- Support general office tasks including data entry, documentation, and file management
- Participate in training and skill development activities
- Assist with additional program needs as assigned
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
