NYS IPM Project Facilitator and Field Technician (Geneva Campus) 

The Opportunity 

The Cornell Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program is seeking a highly motivated research professional to support applied agricultural research projects across New York State. The Project Facilitator and Field Technician position offers an opportunity to work alongside scientists and extension educators conducting research focused on sustainable pest management in fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crop systems. Work will be conducted on both research farms in Geneva and commercial farms in Central and/or Western New York.  

We are looking for someone who enjoys hands-on field research, is comfortable working outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions, and has an interest in agriculture, insects, plant diseases, or applied science. 

Research priorities change throughout the year based on seasonal needs and funded projects. Winter months typically involve more indoor activities including data management, laboratory work, outreach support, and educational resource development. 

In this role, you will support field and laboratory research projects that help growers manage insects, weeds, and plant diseases while advancing sustainable agricultural practices. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Establishing and maintaining agricultural field trials 

• Collecting soil, plant, pest, disease, and environmental data 

• Setting and monitoring insect traps 

• Collecting, sorting, and identifying insects and other agricultural pests 

• Harvesting crops and evaluating plant quality 

• Managing research data and maintaining accurate field records 

• Assisting with educational events and outreach programs 

• Supporting development of fact sheets, web resources, and extension materials 

• Uploading and managing content within Cornell's outreach platforms 

• Driving a university vehicle to research farms and field sites throughout the region 

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. 

About the Department  

The Cornell Integrated Pest Management Program (Cornell IPM) at Cornell AgriTech is part of CALS and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) at Cornell University, the Land Grant University of New York State. We advance the lives and livelihoods of NYS residents through teaching, research, and public service. 

What We Need 

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination. 

• Computer proficiency and the ability to learn new programs as needed to support the program’s goals. 

• Familiarity with crop protection products and ability to work independently.  

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position. 

• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business. 

• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.  

• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.   

This is an active field research position requiring regular outdoor work and physical activity. Candidates should be comfortable: 

• Working outdoors for extended periods, including full workdays in summer conditions 

• Walking through uneven terrain, crop fields, and research plots 

• Working in hot, humid, dusty, or otherwise challenging weather conditions 

• Collecting and handling insects and plant samples 

• Using microscopes and other research equipment 

• Lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds 

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t. 

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ experience in conducting field and laboratory research tasks.  

• Experience in the use of the database program Excel.  

• Experience collecting and identifying arthropods. Knowledge of pesticide classes, safety, and pesticide product labels. 

• NYS certified pesticide applicators license. 

Rewards and Benefits  

• This position is eligible for a ​​hybrid work arrangement during the winter months, but fully onsite April - September. During the winter, employees typically perform this role remotely 2 days per week and on-site 3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. 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. 

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell 

• 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. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell 

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.