Technician III - Soil and Crop Sciences

APPLY

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” diversity and inclusion are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

About SIPS: The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

Program Statement/Description:

The Soil and Crop Sciences Section of Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS) is dedicated to generate and communicate knowledge about agroecosystems and their sustainable management in the face of accelerating global change. We achieve this by educating students for stewardship of agro-ecosystems, conducting scientific research on sustainable land management, and using our extension and outreach programs for the benefit of our stakeholders. Many faculty conduct programs focusing on New York and the northeastern United States region, as well as in many countries around the world having temperate, sub-tropical and tropical environments.

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and generous retirement contributions. Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25th through January 1st. Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program. More on Cornell Benefits

Position Summary:

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

This position is supervised by a Weed Scientist and provides essential support to the weeds research project to include field plot farming operations, care of greenhouse and controlled environment plantings, layout of field and greenhouse experiments, application of pesticide, fertility, tillage, etc., treatments, observation of crop and weed response to treatments and weather, data collection and analysis, and the operation of complex laboratory and field instrumentation including GPS-controlled mapping and ag input application equipment. This requires operating the tractor, planter and harvest combines. There is some travel w/in NYS for regional trials. The scientist supported by this position direct research programs that are among the core disciplines required to carry out the unit mission of developing new knowledge and technology to stabilize and sustain long-term production of food and fiber in a manner consistent with conservation of natural resources, protection of the environment, and assurance of food safety.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree and up to 2 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must possess excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Must have and maintain an unrestricted NY State valid driver’s license cleared to drive for University business. Valid driver's license to permit incumbent to operate automobiles, pickup trucks, and farm trucks (up to 24,000 GVW) having standard or automatic transmissions once employed. Certified, or capable and willing to be certified, to apply restricted-use pesticides to crops.
• Should be motivated and an enthusiastic learner, capable of exercising some degree of independence in research.
• Personable, motivated and enthusiastic about working in a group environment as well as independently.
• Mobility to maneuver on and under equipment. Work requires considerable physical exertion in order to transport in excess of 50 lbs (no more than 100 lbs) unassisted on a regular basis.
• Must be punctual, reliable and able to occasionally work irregular hours and travel to field sites.
• Working knowledge with basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and e-mail.
• Experience in collection of data and comfortable with basic database programs, such as: Microsoft Excel, Word, OneNote
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity are required.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS pesticide applicators license.
• Willingness to get Cornell DOT certification to drive fleet truck and project trailer to and from field sites.
• Complete the training to become a tractor and forklift operator and maintain the certification.
• Experience operating on farm machinery and equipment such as: tractors, combines, balers, forage harvesters, tillage implements, chemical applicators, and planters
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and wellbeing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS degree preferred plus three years’ experience in large-scale farming operations. Training in the safe and proper use of pesticides would be highly desirable.
• Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing, in order to interpret precise instructions, procedures, technical plans and designs, and keep research and production records. Ability to drive large and small farm equipment safely and skillfully. Ability to recognize plant diseases and signs of insect infestation. Knowledge of the hazards and effects of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, etc.) and the ability to read and interpret label and MSDS instructions regarding safe and proper use of agricultural chemicals. Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions pertaining repair, maintenance, and operation of agricultural equipment, vehicles, and power tools. Knowledge of the methods, practices, techniques, and tools used in planting and the ability to read and follow plans and designs for planting trees, shrubs, grasses, and crop plants. Ability to setup, calibrate, and operate precision agricultural equipment. Knowledge of methods and principles of supervision and the ability to plan, assign, review and evaluate work of other employees.
• Experience in a field-based research program or other agricultural field.
• Experience training or supervising students in a research setting.
• Experience working with diverse groups of people and fostering an environment of inclusion.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

University Job Title:

Technician III

Job Family:

Technical

Level:

C

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$21.36 - $23.61

Remote Option Availability:

Fully Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Joan Olson

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines:

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2023-04-07