Dairy Environmental Systems Technician (1-Year TERM)

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems Technician will support applied research and extension projects in dairy environmental management. You will conduct field and laboratory studies on manure handling, monitor emissions, and evaluate soil and water conservation practices, working with Animal Science faculty and farm partners on NY dairy operations.

The role requires thorough data recording, SOP adherence, safety, and frequent fieldwork across NY farms, with a full-time

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job description

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.

• 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