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Farm Supervisor, Musgrave Research Farm- Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station, Aurora, NY (Full-time)

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 Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is seeking a Farm Supervisor for our Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora, NY.

About Us

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 AES empowers research with funding, resources and expertise to catalyze science-based solutions to agriculture, environmental and social challenges. Our vision is to exemplify innovative research that improves the health and welfare of people and our planet.

Summary of position responsibilities:

The role of the Farm Supervisor is to manage and direct the day-to-day field operations on the diverse, 400+ acre research teaching, and extension/outreach facility. The Supervisor is responsible for field and facility activities related to agronomic crop research, ranging from field preparation and management of research plots to the sustainable production of agronomic crops in support of research operations.

• The position includes supervision of 1 full-time, regular employee, as well as temporary/student staffing as needed.
• Management of field operations encompasses unique research agriculture principles, as well as production agriculture needs of faculty, staff, and students.
• The Farm Supervisor will work closely with the Director of Agricultural Operations at Cornell AES, to ensure that operational costs remain within budgetary constraints.
• The Farm Supervisor will report directly to the Director of Agricultural Operations but will communicate and work directly with all personnel planning or conducting research at Musgrave Research Farm to assure that all their needs are met.
• The Farm Supervisor must build & maintain a close working relationship with research specialists, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and unit managers as needed.
• Continuing education and expertise on a number of diverse agricultural and trades practices (irrigation, pesticide application, construction, plot prep, cover cropping, commodity marketing, etc.) will be necessary.
• Position will be responsible for keeping up to date with new advances in technology and application of that technology into various farm operations.
• Supervisor should work diligently to promote sustainable practices to both reduce costs and reduce the effect of operations on the environment.

Working Conditions:

Essential Physical Requirements: Typically lifts more than 50 lbs

Visual: Normal concentration

Hazards: Highly toxic chemicals

This position is located in Aurora, NY.

Key requirements

• An Associates degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, or closely related field with 3 to 5 years of experience with agricultural research or equivalent combination; or certification from a technical school, trade school or specialized training with 6 to 8 years of experience.
• A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to obtain a NYS CDL license for truck operation is required.
• Certified Pesticide Applicator license is required with at least 2 years of proven applications being performed.
• Must be familiar with a variety of Personal Protective Equipment and their proper usage.
• Must have at least 4 years of experience with tractors ranging in size from 16hp to 250hp and a variety of equipment directly related to field research and production operations.
• Must also be able to operate snow blowers, forklifts, snowplows, bucket tractors, mowers, tillage equipment, combines, forage harvesters, Precision Ag equipment, grain handling equipment, trucks of various sizes, dump wagons, back-hoe and front end loaders.
• Previous experience in irrigation equipment and operation preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, the ability to communicate comfortably with large groups, and being open to suggestions are all critical to successful performance.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals.
• Must be flexible in attitude and task completion expectations as this position will support multiple departments on a daily basis.
• Must demonstrate sound personnel management skills and supervisory skills.
• Keen awareness at all times that protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements.
• Applicant must be able to build & maintain effective working relationships and be flexible to accommodate the frequently changing needs of researchers.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! Additional preferred qualifications include:

• Diverse agricultural production background preferred.
• BS degree in Agriculture or related field with more than 5 years of agricultural research experience.
• OSHA forklift operator certification.
• NYS CDL

What We Offer

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

Please use our online application process through Workday to submit your cover letter and resume. When writing your cover letter, please expand upon how your work experience and background would give us greater insight into how you would be successful in this role.

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.

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.

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Non-Union Positions

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

• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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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.

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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.