Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician - L. Sosnoskie Team (Horticulture Section); Geneva, New York
About The Position
As the Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician, you will assist with field, laboratory, and technology-based research activities supporting weed management and precision agriculture projects. Duties include: Assisting with the establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of field research plots Conducting visual weed control ratings and crop injury assessments using standardized scales Assisting with setup, calibration, and deployment of field-based robotic systems Entering and organizing field data in spreadsheets or research databases Conducting preliminary data checks for accuracy and completeness Preparing field supplies and equipment prior to research activities Assisting with harvest data collection and sample processing Following all institutional, pesticide safety, and field research safety protocols
Requirements
- High School Diploma and completed coursework in agronomy, plant science, horticulture, agricultural engineering, environmental science, biology, or related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40–50 pounds (field equipment, sensors, etc.)
- Basic understanding of plant identification (crops and weeds)
- Careful and accurate data collection skills
- Basic computer proficiency (Excel, Google Sheets, or similar data entry platforms)
- Willingness to learn operation of field-based robotic or sensor systems
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to follow detailed research protocols
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Good organizational and time-management skills
- Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s Degree in plant biology, botany, weed science, crop science, plant physiology, agricultural systems, or precision agriculture
- Experience with: Field research or agricultural labor Herbicide trials or weed management research Small plot equipment Robotics, sensors, drones, or autonomous systems GPS or GIS software, Multispectral or NDVI data collection Basic statistical software (R, SAS, or similar) Programming experience (Python, Arduino, ROS, etc.)
- Familiarity with weed identification at seedling and mature stages
- Data management and quality control procedures
- Mechanical aptitude and comfort with troubleshooting equipment
Responsibilities
- Assisting with the establishment, maintenance, and evaluation of field research plots
- Conducting visual weed control ratings and crop injury assessments using standardized scales
- Assisting with setup, calibration, and deployment of field-based robotic systems
- Entering and organizing field data in spreadsheets or research databases
- Conducting preliminary data checks for accuracy and completeness
- Preparing field supplies and equipment prior to research activities
- Assisting with harvest data collection and sample processing
- Following all institutional, pesticide safety, and field research safety protocols
Benefits
- Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
