The Opportunity

The Dairy Environmental Systems Technician will join the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program within Cornell’s Department of Animal Science. Working with program team members and Animal Science faculty, you will provide technical support for applied research and extension projects that advance dairy environmental management.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct laboratory and field research to evaluate manure management and treatment systems, monitor greenhouse gases and other emissions from dairy facilities, assess cow barn environments, analyze manure characteristics, and assess the design and implementation of soil and water conservation practices.
• Develop and maintain detailed research records, follow standard operating procedures, and prioritize safety.
• Clean and maintain field and laboratory research equipment and workspaces.
• Summarize and report research data, contribute to published reports, and support extension and outreach activities and materials.
• Conduct extensive fieldwork on dairy farms, working directly with and around dairy cattle and manure handling and treatment systems, and communicating with dairy farmers, their key advisors, and the public.

About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences tackles the challenges of our times through purpose-driven science that advances understanding and improves life. As a premier institution of scientific learning, we connect the life, agricultural, environmental, and social sciences to provide world-class education, spark unexpected discoveries, and inspire pioneering solutions.

The Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs on the biology and management of food, laboratory and companion animal species. Our research programs advance our understanding of animal biology and address local and global issues facing animal industries today. Our goals are to discover and develop new techniques and information to benefit animals, agriculture and human health. Our internationally recognized faculty have diverse interests in animal management, breeding, genetics, physiology, nutrition, growth biology, microbiology, farm systems management and agricultural engineering.

For over 30 years PRO-DAIRY has facilitated New York state economic development by increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of New York's dairy farm businesses through industry-applied research and educational programs that enhance farm profitability, while advancing dairy producers and agribusiness professionals' knowledge, skills and enthusiasm. Our specializations include Dairy Environmental Systems, Dairy Advancement, Nutrient Management, Forage Systems, Herd Health, Farm Business, and Youth Programming.

Our specialists also work closely with other engineers and researchers at Cornell, the staff at our research dairy (Cornell University Ruminant Center), and with New York State dairy farmers, industry representatives, and their advisors.

Location, Schedule, and Travel

This position is based fully onsite on Cornell’s Ithaca campus, with work in campus laboratory facilities, at the Cornell research dairy, and on commercial dairy farms throughout New York State. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, with a typical start time between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Some work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, is required to meet research and farm needs.

Travel to farms may range from one to five days per week, depending on project activities, and can involve long drives. A project truck is available for business travel. Overnight stays are uncommon for research activities but may be needed for conferences and trainings.

Fieldwork takes place year-round and includes exposure to varying weather conditions, cattle, and manure handling and treatment systems. Safety training and protective gear, including boots, bibs, and high-visibility clothing, are provided.

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE, 39 hours per week. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Success Factors

You’ll thrive in this role if you demonstrate:

• Field research readiness: Work safely and reliably in year-round dairy farm environments, collecting samples and measurements while adapting to weather, farm schedules, and changing project needs.
• Organization and accuracy: Coordinate field and laboratory activities, maintain equipment and supplies, and keep accurate research records and organized datasets using Excel and other project tools.
• Technical curiosity and initiative: Learn research methods, equipment, and data systems; recognize and troubleshoot problems; and seek guidance when needed. Prior dairy experience is welcome, along with a willingness to learn about dairy production and environmental systems.
• Collaboration and communication: Work independently and contribute to a collaborative team, communicating clearly with colleagues and farm partners and helping translate research findings into useful reports, educational materials, and outreach.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Associate’s degree and 2 to 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license, meet the in-state travel requirements of the position, have reliable transportation, and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and data entry.
• Ability to keep comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate field notes and project records in an organized manner.
• Ability to efficiently manage laboratory procedures and facilitate research protocols, following an orientation period.
• Must be personable, flexible, with a proven demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with a wide range of internal and external constituencies.
• Ability to make independent decisions as well as exercise professional judgment.
• Ability to work successfully independently as well as in a team environment.
• Experience in collection of data and preparation of summaries and final reports.
• Ability to keep the equipment, materials, and lab organized.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to occasionally work irregular hours.
• Must be willing to communicate with team members using a personal cell phone.
• Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural science, engineering, environmental science, or related field.
• Dairy farm experience and ability to work around livestock.
• Experience with computer programs such as R, Python, AutoCad, HOBOware, PC400.
• Experience and understanding of basic concepts of animal science, nutrient cycling and biochemistry.
• Experience with sensors and gas analytical instrumentation.

Rewards and 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.

• 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.

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.

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