Career Center

Technician III - Soil and Crop Sciences

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.

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.

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.

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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)

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

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