Job Description

Temporary Seasonal Field Assistant

Temporary Agricultural Worker

Nonexempt
Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory

Cornell AgriTech

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Portland, New York

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: 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.

The Cornell Lake Erie Research Extension Laboratory (CLEREL) supports the grape industries of western New York and Pennsylvania through precision viticulture, vineyard mechanization, and optimized nutrient management. Researchers in this region have had a rich history of sustaining viticulture advancement of vineyard management and production systems, grape breeding, pest control and mechanical harvesting, among others

What We Need

As the Temporary Seasonal Field Assistant, you will provide hands-on support for vineyard research operations and farm maintenance. Working under the daily direction of the CLEREL Field Coordinator and in coordination with the research team, you will assist with routine plant care, field data collection, and general facility upkeep to support the laboratory’s seasonal research goals. Other duties include:

• Performing manual vineyard tasks, including pruning, tying, weeding, suckering, and canopy management, as directed.

• Assisting staff in taking manual field measurements, such as counting clusters, collecting tissue samples, and recording pruning weights.

• Safely operating utility vehicles (ATVs, Gators) to transport supplies or complete routine vineyard tasks.

• Maintaining clean and organized workspaces, including laboratories, offices, and common areas, following established cleaning schedules.

• Assisting with light-duty building and grounds maintenance to ensure a safe and professional environment.

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethnic, who appreciates agriculture and working outdoors. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• High School Diploma and 1+ years of experience in agriculture or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Ability to work in field locations that can be difficult to access.

• Must be able to navigate uneven terrain at times.

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

• Must be able to work outdoors in all types of weather.

• 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 driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

• Must be able to work with digital technology.

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:

• Previous experience with vineyard plant maintenance.

This is a three-month, temporary, full-time position at 39 hours/week that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. This position is located in Portland, New York.

Rewards and Benefits

Compensation is $22.70/hour.

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, 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

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

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

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

University Job Title:

Temporary Agricultural Worker

Job Family:

Temporary Academic Support

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contact Name:

Janet Camilli

Contact Email:

jer278@cornell.edu

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• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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2026-04-29