Field Assistant S10

Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station – S10 Field Assistant

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at 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.

About Us

The Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (CUAES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life" in its two core functions: the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula funds. Farm Services directly supports applied research projects across several farms in and around Cornell Campus. Farm Services operates the university compost facility, which currently processes around 4500 tons of waste annually. The farm is managed by CUAES as an essential resource for support of interdisciplinary applied agronomic research.

What You Will Do

The S10 Field Assist will support the Farm Supervisor in providing care of resources, facilities and field operations, and provide leadership and guidance in absence of Farm Supervisor. They will assist in all phases of production farming, composting and interdepartmental maintenance and land-care operations. Additionally, provide direct support for agricultural research, teaching and extension activities in accordance with the Land Grant Mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the organization, scheduling, planning, and assigning of daily activities.

• Safely and effectively operate well over 40 specialized pieces of farm, composting and construction equipment.

• Perform a range of maintenance tasks, including snow removal, mowing, construction, and fabrication projects.

• Service expertise is required with most aspects of maintenance and repair of tractors (across most major manufacturers), forklifts, trucks, trailers, tillage and seeding implements, irrigation equipment, a windrow turner, and heavy construction equipment.

• Safely and effectively operate most industrial repair shop tools and equipment. Complete many equipment repairs, including service work on: engines, clutches, transmissions, hydraulics, brakes, and regular maintenance. Purchase parts and supplies using University procurement systems. Maintain an inventory of all parts and supplies associated with equipment.

• Work collaboratively with coworkers to coordinate and document the hauling of manure from Cornell’s extensive animal facilities as well as the collection of compostable materials from Cornell dining and plant growth facilities.

• Provide leadership, direction and training of staff, project staff, graduate students and summer temps, as requested by supervisor. Work collaboratively to progress a culture of sustainability. Effectively communicate with all stakeholders.

• Provide equipment and cropping support for other CUAES research farms.

This position requires flexibility and occasional unscheduled weekend, holiday, and after hour assignments, at times with very little notice.

What We Need from You

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• High School Diploma with 3 years of experience operating and maintaining modern farm machinery, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience operating heavy motorized (construction and trucks) equipment (exceeding 30,000 lbs.).

• Must possess and maintain a NYS Commercial Driver’s License, Class B, with 5 or more years of hauling experience.

• Must be able to acquire CDL class A within 6 months of hire.

• Must have experience hauling heavy equipment on commercial trucks in strict compliance with DOT regulations (e.g. loading, load distribution, load binding).

• Minimum 5 years ‘experience planting and harvesting crops in a modern agricultural setting.

• Must be mechanically inclined, with experience repairing machinery pertinent to Farm Services operations.

• Demonstrate knowledge and capabilities specific to large scale windrow compost production.

• Must be proficient in bulldozer, excavator, and backhoe operation.

• Three to five years’ experience in snow plowing, highway maintenance and repairs including field drainage.

• Must have experience with commercial snow removal, including large area plowing and snow blowing.

• Must be a certified forklift operator.

• Flexibility to work extended day time hours, weekends, and some holidays.

• Must possess basic skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook and Internet navigation for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, information searches, and supply and parts procurement.

• Must have, or be willing to acquire, experience with University procurement systems and policies.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to work under varying climatic conditions and be exposed to dusty conditions, animal wastes and odors, including work at heights.

• Proven ability to lead, train, and direct the work of seasonal employees.

• Proven ability to communicate clearly and work well with diverse faculty, unit supervisor, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.

• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with a precise attention to detail. 

• Must be able to wear proper protective equipment to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, using extreme caution when handling and applying.

• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates degree in Agriculture with an agronomic emphasis.

• Experience working in an agricultural research environment.

• Experience with equipment fabrication, modification, and design.

• Experience welding and cutting metals preferred.

• Experience with GPS mapping and farm record-keeping.

• Experience with irrigation equipment and operation.

• Commercial landscaping experience preferred.

Your Total Rewards

Compensation for UAW- S10: Hire Rate - $29.68 per hour, Job Rate – $30.68 per hour

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day), educational benefits, and superior retirement contributions.

Top 10 Benefits Cornell Employees Love!

How to Apply:

You must submit a Resume​.

When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume 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. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday.

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.

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.

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University Job Title:

Field Assistant S10

Job Family:

United Auto Workers

Level:

S10

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Denise Smith

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

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.

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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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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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, 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.

2024-11-25