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

Orchard Worker Hd S10

The Opportunity

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

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. The Cornell Orchards is managed by CornellAES as a site for interdisciplinary research.

This position supports the Orchard Manager in providing care of resources, equipment and field operations. 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.

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.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• 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.
• Must communicate clearly with faculty, unit manager, staff, students, vendors, and other research and extension personnel in a professional and respectful manner.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

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.

• 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.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

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

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

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Cornell welcomes 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 individual's 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent 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.