Dairy Sustainability Assistant

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking two Dairy Sustainability Assistants to support whole-farm nutrient mass balances and greenhouse gas assessments using NMB and CFP tools. The roles focus on data collection, template improvement, and farmer-facing reporting, with opportunities to work on additional sustainability indicators.

Ideal candidates have an Associate’s degree and strong data skills, plus the ability to collaborate with farmers, advisors, and colleagues on diverse sustainability projects.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree and up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must have and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, R; Python or other data analysis tools is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills are required.
• Experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience collaborating with farmers and farm advisors.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and improve farm data collection templates and training materials; enter farm data and prepare farm reports.
• Assist in farm data collection, data quality checks, and reporting results to farmers and farm advisors; aid in evaluating additional sustainability tools.

Skills

Data collection

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

R

Python (adv)

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

R

Python

Job description

The Opportunity

We are hiring two Dairy Sustainability Assistants for an anticipated January 18, 2027 start date. Applications submitted by November 9, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Dairy Sustainability Assistant role is located within the department of Animal Science. The primary purpose for this position is to assist in the assessment of whole-farm nutrient mass balances and greenhouse gas emissions using the Cornell Nutrient Mass Balance (NMB) tool and Cool Farm Platform (CFP), with opportunities to assist in other sustainability tools, assessments and indicators.

The Dairy Sustainability Assistants will:

• Help with development and improvements in farm data collection and input templates, extension training materials for farmers and public and private sector nutrient management planners and crop advisors, entry of farm data, preparation of farm reports, and the analysis of nutrient balances and carbon footprints.
• Assist in farm data collection, data quality checks, and reporting results back to the participating farmers and farm advisors. In addition to NMB and CFP assessments, this position may also aid in the evaluation and application of additional sustainability assessment tools, including FARM-ES, COMET, and approaches for assessing on-farm biodiversity.

This is a full-time, one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

An on-site presence is required.

About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

About the Department of Animal Science

The Department of Animal Science’s mission is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the biology and management of domestic animals and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. Our department is devoted to undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, extension and outreach.

The sustainability of animal feeding operations in New York depends greatly on their ability to increase nutrient recycling on the farm, reduce N and P losses to the environment, reduce cost of production and increase yield and milk sales. The Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) team within the Department of Animal Science works on applied research and extension projects to quantify nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural forage production (corn silage and hay fields) as impacted by crop and fertility management. The NMSP leads the development of Cornell guidelines for nutrient management of field crops in New York and aids in its statewide implementation.

Success Factors

You will thrive in this role if you demonstrate:

• Data accuracy and practical analysis: Carefully organizes, checks, and processes farm data using Excel and assessment tools. Identifies missing information or discrepancies, troubleshoots with colleagues, and helps produce accurate, useful farmer reports.
• Clear communication and reliable follow-through: Builds respectful relationships with farmers, company sustainability staff, advisors, and colleagues. Asks clear questions, explains information accessibly, and follows through on data requests and reporting commitments.
• Organization, ownership, and collaborative judgment: Manages multiple assignments and deadlines, communicates progress and challenges honestly, and asks for guidance when needed. Shares information and supports colleagues so the two assistants can provide dependable backup.
• Learning agility and educational support: Learns sustainability concepts and software tools, applies feedback, and translates technical information into practical training materials, fact sheets, and articles. Contributes actively to a team that supports learning across different backgrounds and perspectives.

Hours and Location

These full-time positions are based on-site in Morrison Hall on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, generally between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with some flexibility in start and end times coordinated with the supervisor. Earlier starts may be needed for farm visits and program activities. Weekend work is not expected.

Travel to participating farms within New York State is required. Travel varies throughout the year and may occasionally involve several consecutive days of farm visits. University fleet vehicles are available for business travel.

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 up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Proficient in use of computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, R; experience with Python, or other data analysis tools is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication and organizational skills required.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to work independently once provided sufficient direction.
• Ability to work alone or with a team and problem-solve as needed.
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work well within a team of professionals.
• Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential issues, with strong ability for multi-tasking.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team; and have strategies to ensure tasks are completed, including following up with team members, as needed.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, handle the demands of deadlines, and seamlessly move between changing priorities.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
• Experience working with inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing programs
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• 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 or coursework in agronomy, crop and soil science, or animal science with focus on integration of disciplines and systems analyses; 1-2 years’ experience in related field.
• Experience with data collection and report generation using NMB and CFP software.
• Experience with data management, including the accurate and confidential handling of large databases and sensitive information.

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.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

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

University Job Title:

Program/Extension Aide II

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

B

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$23.40 - $24.28

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Contact Name:

Carolyn Chow

Contact Email:

[e-mail]

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

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

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The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-19