CALS- Orchard Worker Hd S10- Cornell University Agriculture Experimental Station (CUAES)

About the role

The position is located within the department of Cornell Agriculture Experiment Station. The Cornell Orchards encompasses 78 acres across farm sites in Ithaca and Lansing NY that are actively used by faculty and students. Research projects are diverse and include fieldwork on tree fruits, vineyards and berries as well as laboratory-based work involving fruit storage and processing.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support services to over 7 research, teaching and outreach programs at the Cornell Orchards.
• Aid in the planting, production, spraying, harvesting, pruning, storing and dispersal of fruit crops.
• Take responsibility for the maintenance of around 30 pieces of specialized farm equipment, and the care of irrigation, drainage and other agricultural infrastructure across the 78 acres of Orchard.
• Work both in a team and independently to accomplish required tasks.
• Service expertise is required with most aspects of the maintenance and repair of farm equipment, including trucks, trailers, forklifts, sprayers, a harvest platform, and a wide range of tractors of varying makes and models.
• Observe, troubleshoot, and repair equipment as necessary to keep operations running smoothly.
• Maintain food processing equipment used for sorting and storing of fruit.
• Keep detailed maintenance records on all equipment.
• Order parts and supplies online or in person and maintain a limited inventory of parts and supplies associated with Orchard equipment.
• Work collaboratively with new equipment acquisition and with the building and design of specialized research equipment.
• Aid in the establishment and care of various fruit crops, including spraying, planting, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, the installation of trellis systems, and irrigation and field drainage installation and maintenance.
• Facilitate harvest operations: maintain fruit bins and cider-making equipment.
• Transport fruit between Ithaca, Lansing and Geneva and also deliver to wholesale external customers.
• Respond to service requests from research program faculty, research support staff, graduate and undergraduate students in a timely manner. Some requests will require immediate action and flexibility.
• Effectively communicate with all stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively to progress a culture of sustainability.

Requirements

• High School Diploma with a minimum of 3+ years’ experience in horticultural cropping systems and/or the maintenance of horticultural equipment.
• Must be able to work under varying climate conditions, dusty environments and around hazardous pesticides and solvents.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and be a qualified commercial driver with a New York State Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Class B, or ability to obtain and maintain a CDL within one year from start date.
• Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain a Pesticide Technician Certification within a year from start date.
• Within 2 years obtaining a Pesticide Applicator Certification.
• Must possess basic skills in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word and Internet navigation for the purposes of data entry, record keeping, information searches, and supply and parts procurement.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds.
• Position requires work schedule flexibility to work extended daytime hours, weekends, and some holidays.
• Able to operate, service, and repair farm tractors of many sizes, as well as trucks and numerous other pieces of farm equipment.
• Must have proficiency in the operation of metalworking equipment.
• Demonstrate a high standard of service with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills with precise attention to detail.
• Experience with irrigation equipment and operation.
• Must be safety oriented; know, understand, adhere and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
• Must be able to obtain OSHA forklift operator certification within six months from start date.
• Communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.
• Able to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Able to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or technical/vocational degree in Agricultural Mechanics, Agronomy, Horticulture or a related field.
• Preferred experience in equipment fabrication, modification, and design.
• Preferred experience with the growing of fruit crops.
• Experience working in and around a University research setting.
• Experience welding mild steels and aluminum.

Skills

• High school diploma with 3+ years of experience in horticultural cropping systems and/or the maintenance of horticultural equipment.
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class B or ability to obtain within one year.
• Pesticide Applicator Certification or ability to obtain within a year.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word).
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds.
• Knowledge of farm equipment operation and maintenance.
• Proficiency in metalworking equipment operation.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work safely and adhere to safety regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Ability to foster a culture of inclusion and sustainability.

Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability. Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Pay

This position is offered at a rate of $XX.XX per hour, based on qualifications and experience. 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.

Schedule

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.