Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician L. Sosnoskie Team (Horticulture Section) Geneva, New York

Temporary Laboratory and Research Technician

Nonexempt
Section of Horticulture

Cornell AgriTech

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Geneva New York

Who We Are

CALS is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell Universitys second-largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food energy and environmental resources; and social physical and economic well-being.

Cornell AgriTech serves an evolving agricultural sector that remains an economic engine for New York state valued at over $36.7 billion a year. Originally established by an act of the New York State Legislature on June 26 1880 for the purpose of promoting agriculture in its various branches by scientific investigation and experiment Cornell AgriTech has grown to become the important hub for food and agriculture research and extension that it is today.

As the only horticulture program in the Ivy League our facultystaffand students work to shape the food systems and landscapes of today and tomorrow. Our faculty work across New York to make discoveries and share knowledge about fruits vegetables and landscape are called on by farmers golf course managers urban foresters government officials and many others to solve problems around the globe.

What You Will Do

As the Temporary Laboratory/Research Technician you will assist with field laboratory and technology-based research activities supporting weed management and precision agriculture projects. Duties include:

• Assisting with the establishment maintenance and evaluation of field research plots

• Conducting visual weed control ratings and crop injury assessments using standardized scales

• Assisting with setup calibration and deployment of field-based robotic systems

• Entering and organizing field data in spreadsheets or research databases

• Conducting preliminary data checks for accuracy and completeness

• Preparing field supplies and equipment prior to research activities

• Assisting with harvest data collection and sample processing

• Following all institutional pesticide safety and field research safety protocols

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in an outdoor research environment. We need someone who is interested in agriculture working outdoors and working as part of a team. Additionally we need someone who has:

• High School Diploma and completed coursework in agronomy plant science horticulture agricultural engineering environmental science biology or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions

• Ability to lift and carry up to 4050 pounds (field equipment sensors etc.)

• Basic understanding of plant identification (crops and weeds)

• Careful and accurate data collection skills

• Basic computer proficiency (Excel Google Sheets or similar data entry platforms)

• Willingness to learn operation of field-based robotic or sensor systems

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to follow detailed research protocols

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

• Good organizational and time-management skills

• 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 drivers license and be cleared to drive for university business.

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role including:

• Associates Degree in plant biology botany weed science crop science plant physiology agricultural systems or precision agriculture

• Experience with:

  • Field research or agricultural labor

  • Herbicide trials or weed management research

  • Small plot equipment

  • Robotics sensors drones or autonomous systems

  • GPS or GIS software Multispectral or NDVI data collection

  • Basic statistical software (R SAS or similar)

  • Programming experience (Python Arduino ROS etc.)

• Familiarity with weed identification at seedling and mature stages

• Data management and quality control procedures

• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with troubleshooting equipment

This position is a temporary full-time (39 hours/week) position with a fixed term of May 1 2026 to September 1 2026 and will be located in Geneva New York.

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health well-being and sustainability initiatives.

• Compensation is $22.00/hour.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and a cover letter.

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

University Job Title:

Job Family:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Pay Range:

Remote Option Availability:

Company:

Contact Name:

Contact Email:

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 Cornells 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 Cornells 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 .

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice or email at .

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 .

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:

Cornellwelcomes students faculty and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities to further the founding principle of ... any person ... any study. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving but not limited to such factors as race ethnic or national origin citizenship and immigration status color sex 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 individuals genetic information domestic violence victim status familial status marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to with federal law Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.