Temporary Seasonal Field Assistant (Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory); Portland, New York

Cornell University•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Temporary Seasonal Field Assistant will provide hands-on support for vineyard research operations and farm maintenance at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory (CLEREL). Working under the daily direction of the CLEREL Field Coordinator and in coordination with the research team, the assistant will help with routine plant care, field data collection, and general facility upkeep to support the laboratory’s seasonal research goals. CLEREL supports the grape industries of western New York and Pennsylvania through precision viticulture, vineyard mechanization, and optimized nutrient management.

Requirements

High School Diploma and 1+ years of experience in agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work in field locations that can be difficult to access.
Must be able to navigate uneven terrain at times.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.
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.
Must be able to work with digital technology.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience with vineyard plant maintenance.

Responsibilities

Performing manual vineyard tasks, including pruning, tying, weeding, suckering, and canopy management, as directed.
Assisting staff in taking manual field measurements, such as counting clusters, collecting tissue samples, and recording pruning weights.
Safely operating utility vehicles (ATVs, Gators) to transport supplies or complete routine vineyard tasks.
Maintaining clean and organized workspaces, including laboratories, offices, and common areas, following established cleaning schedules.
Assisting with light-duty building and grounds maintenance to ensure a safe and professional environment.