Vegetable/Potato Program Assistant - Riverhead, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension • New York, NY

2d • $19 - $20 • Onsite

About The Position

Seasonal Program Assistant needed for Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Suffolk County Vegetable and Potato Program based at the Long Island Horticulture Research and Extension Center, 3059 Sound Ave. in Riverhead. Excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in plant agriculture and field research conducted on a diverse set of working vegetable farms. Starting date is May 2026 and ending date is flexible or September 30, 2026. Applicant must be able to work 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. Applicants that can work into the fall are preferred.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalency and 6 months volunteer or work experience
• Ability to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, performing various field activities
• High attention to detail
• Ability to understand and implement written and oral instruction
• Must be reliable, with good work ethics
• Ability to complete any given task in an efficient and timely manner
• Must be able to lift 20-50 lbs
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to meet the travel requirements associated with the position; Valid NYS driver’s license and personal vehicle for on-the-job transportation, 3 years driving experience and pass a motor vehicle screening.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants that can work into the fall are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of research trials on and off site
• Performs duties including but not limited to planting, weeding, harvesting and lifting of produce.
• Leaf tissue and soil sampling
• Assist with data collection and entry
• Scout farms weekly for insects and diseases and communicate observations with growers
• Install and maintain a sweet corn pest trapping network on cooperating farms
• Report pest occurrences and severity daily to Supervisor
• Maintain program files and records
• Require reliable transportation for regular travel to local farms in Suffolk County

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED