Details
Posted: 21-Dec-22
Location: Ithaca, New York
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Field Research Unit Farm Manager
Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
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 located in Geneva, New York is an integral part of Cornell CALS and works to improve the health of the people, environment and economy of New York State and beyond, through innovative food and agricultural science.
AgriTech's research farms encompass 900 acres (250 actively farmed) used for agronomic, vegetable, vineyard and orchard studies. The goal of the farm is to support AgriTech's research, teaching, and extension mission, to foster a culture of sustainability, and to serve as a model with respect to environmental stewardship and sustainable agricultural practices.
The Farm Manager supervises 14 farm and administrative staff and leads the operation of the research farm. The manager oversees the farm's equipment and vehicles to ensure they are properly maintained and in good operating condition at all times. The manager also assesses the condition of farm infrastructure, such as field tile, roadways, irrigation, fencing etc. and directs maintenance and improvement as needed.
The manager takes field work requests from AgriTech's researchers and converts them to prioritized work orders which are assigned to farm staff. The manager also performs field work to support the staff as needed.
The Farm Manager identifies training and development needs within the farm staff and facilitates their continued professional growth.
The Farm Manager partners with station leadership, faculty, and the Director of Facilities to strategically plan farm operations and infrastructure improvements, and to ensure AgriTech's continued role as a world leader in agricultural research. This includes further development and continued growth of AgriTech's organic farm and deployment of infrastructure to support digital agriculture research.
The Farm Manager ensures operational compliance with College and University policies and procedures. With the Director of Facilities and the Associate Director for Business Operations, the manager develops the operational budget of the farm. The Farm Manager establishes and sustains effective and positive working relationships with other AgriTech and Cornell units, including faculty, staff, facilities personnel, environmental health and safety, finance, and human resources. The Farm Manager interacts with departments and units across AgriTech, CALS, and the university and especially with the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, which also manages research farms and plant growth facilities across New York State. The position also engages with an array of external audiences, including private businesses, state and federal agencies, CALS Communications, and other academic institutions in New York and beyond.
The Farm Manager will ensure responsible farm operations in compliance with federal, state, and local laws/regulations, Cornell Environmental Health and Safety guidelines, and college and university requirements including infectious disease protocols.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week), is located in Geneva, New York, and reports to the Director of Facilities at Cornell AgriTech.
The requirements for this position:
- Bachelor's degree and 5+ or more years of diverse field experience with 5+ years of increasing responsibility in farm management and operations.
- Knowledge of best management practices for crop, soil, and pest management and other sustainable agricultural practices.
- Previous work experience operating a variety of farm equipment including tractors up to 100hp.
- Proven success as a team leader in a supervisory role.
- Experience with and knowledge of standard computer applications (e.g. Microsoft suite).
- Ability to assess farm infrastructure conditions (field tile, drainage ditches, irrigation, roadways, fencing etc.) and direct needed maintenance.
- Experience and proven success operating within a budget.
- Excellent communication skills: speaking and writing.
- Proven ability to build and sustain positive and collaborative working relationships.
- Ability to translate requests from researchers into prioritized work assignments for field staff.
- Demonstrated ability to anticipate, perceive, diagnose, prioritize, and remedy problems.
- Commitment to quality assurance and customer service.
- 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.
- Some light travel is required with possible overnight stays.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to understand, adhere to, and train others to conform to all safety requirements and regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- New York State Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (category 1A or 3A).
- Leadership development training.
- Knowledge of and experience with research farm goals and methodology.
- Experience with GPS-based technology as applied to farm operations.
- Experience with farm management software.
- Experience managing employee development and training.
- Previous experience in planning, implementing, and managing farm infrastructure projects.
No visa sponsorship is available.
University Job Title:
Manager Farm/Greenhouse I
Job Family:
Facilities & Safety Services
Level:
F
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$74,057.00 - $86,067.00
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jessica Townley
Number of Openings:
1
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. 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.
Current Employees:
Online Submission Guidelines:
Employment Assistance:
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.
Notice to Applicants:
EEO Statement:
Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.
2022-12-19-08:00
