Outdoor Vegetable Field Research Technician

Socket.dev; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

The Cornell Vegetable Program seeks a Vegetable Field Research Technician (Technician I) based in Albion, NY. You will assist Extension Specialists on field trials across Western New York, performing scouting, data collection, and field maintenance in pesticide‑treated crops.

This full‑time on‑site role requires attention to detail, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort working outdoors. You will also educate growers and participate in outreach activities and data reporting using Excel

Qualifications

• High school diploma and at least one year of experience in an agricultural setting.
• Strong attention to detail, visual concentration, and manual dexterity.
• Possess excellent organizational experience.
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Willingness to work flexible hours incl. evenings/weekends as required.
• Experience using Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Extension Associates in conducting research projects for vegetable industry profitability and sustainability.
• Prepare materials for field research and assist with trial setup, crop planting, and plot maintenance.
• Scout commercial vegetable fields for pests, diseases, weeds, and abiotic injury; collect samples and document observations.
• Evaluate crop safety, quality, treatment efficacy, varieties, and crop damage in research plots and grower fields.
• Assist with crop harvesting, measuring, recording yields, and transporting samples for analysis.
• Set up and maintain pest monitoring traps and report findings.
• Enter and manage research data using Excel and other basic software; prepare data tables and presentations.
• Support outreach activities and educational programs in the region.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Organizational skills

Data collection

Statistical data entry

Communication (written and oral)

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree with vegetable production/entomology/plant pathology/weed science/horticulture/agronomy

Tools

Windows

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The Cornell Vegetable Program seeks a Vegetable Field Research Technician (Technician I) based in Albion, NY. You will assist Extension Specialists on field trials across Western New York, performing scouting, data collection, and field maintenance in pesticide‑treated crops.

This full‑time on‑site role requires attention to detail, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and comfort working outdoors. You will also educate growers and participate in outreach activities and data reporting using Excel