Temporary Agricultural Worker (Cornell AES); Ithaca, New York

Cornell University

84d • $20

About The Position

As a Temporary Agricultural Worker, you will assist the Greenhouse Supervisor with the daily operations of the CALS Greenhouses. Other duties include: Maintain appropriate and timely plant care, including watering and fertilizing. Monitor greenhouse environment and greenhouse facilities and promptly inform supervisor of any suspected problems. Clean and organize greenhouses and associated work areas. Clean and sterilize pots, organize supplies, and conduct routine maintenance. Mix and prepare growing media. Handle fertilizers, potting materials, and other supplies; autoclave loading, operation, and unloading. Interact in a professional manner with all facility clients and coworkers. Help maintain a safe workplace. Fully understand watering notes and execute plant care instructions as described by growers and check with supervisor and/or SO7 and SO10 growers for clarification when needed. Participate in projects or other duties as assigned with occasional work responsibility falling above or below current classification.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1+ years of greenhouse growing experience with demonstrated horticultural plant care skills.
• Willingness to maintain a schedule of regular weekend and holiday hours with a maximum of eight weekend days off per year.
• Demonstrated ability to consistently pay close attention to detail.
• Proven competence in observing and identifying plant stressors.
• Physically able to regularly climb and work from a ladder; bend/kneel, climb under benches and equipment; efficiently shovel dense materials.
• Ability to lift over 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in all temperature conditions, including extreme cold and warm.
• Able to safely and effectively work with shop hand tools, portable drills, and power saws.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively in a team as well as independently.
• Must be flexible, service-minded, and respectful.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Must have reliable transportation and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to respond to emergency duty.
• Must complete all safety trainings as specified by their Supervisor and Cornell Environmental, Health, and Safety.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, e-mail, and web browsers.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Greenhouse Supervisor with daily operations of the CALS Greenhouses.
• Maintain appropriate and timely plant care, including watering and fertilizing.
• Monitor greenhouse environment and facilities, informing supervisor of any suspected problems.
• Clean and organize greenhouses and associated work areas.
• Clean and sterilize pots, organize supplies, and conduct routine maintenance.
• Mix and prepare growing media.
• Handle fertilizers, potting materials, and other supplies; autoclave loading, operation, and unloading.
• Interact professionally with facility clients and coworkers.
• Help maintain a safe workplace.
• Understand watering notes and execute plant care instructions as described by growers.
• Participate in projects or other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Compensation is $20.00/hour.
• This is a two-month appointment (39 hours/week) with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED