Technician II - Horticulture -Geneva

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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.As part of the university’s comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.New hires are required to provide documentation showing full vaccination status (that is, completion of two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or one shot of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson) before their first day of work. If a new hire’s vaccination is not complete or information is not received by their start date, the first day of work will be delayed. It is possible in some cases that an offer of employment may be withdrawn.For additional information on Cornell’s Vaccination Compliance Program click here.This position will support the vegetable breeding research program at Cornell AgriTech which has a focus on Brassica vegetables, tomatoes and common bean. Support work in the field, greenhouse, laboratory and off-campus sites including NY grower fields. Efforts will include managing breeding seed lines, organizing for storage and distribution, and characterization/organization of data and information in tables, image files. Basic analysis and pedigree recording will be a central role, requiring good organizational skills and ability to work independently. Research work will incorporate plant hybridizations in the greenhouse, plant maintenance in the field and greenhouse, and recording data relating to plants and populations in the field and greenhouse.The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at 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 home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. 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. CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.This position will support research with a focus on vegetable crop improvement. The objective of the program is to contribute to improving the productivity, profitability and sustainability of vegetable crops in New York State, the US and the world by developing new and improved vegetable varieties for growers and commercial partners with new aesthetic traits, disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance. This is achieved by conducting research which enhances knowledge of plant genetics and the adaptation of plant genotypes to the environment. The program has a strong focus on applied research supporting the vegetable industry with current emphasis on Brassica vegetables, common bean and small-fruited tomatoes.This person will assist in greenhouse, field and laboratory research under the supervision of Phillip Griffiths. Fairly independently, Specific responsibilities will include: 1) Plant maintenance in the greenhouse and field including irrigating, typing, sowing, harvesting basic IPM observance/scouting for potential pest problems and transplanting 2) Hybridizing plants through crossing, bud-pollinating, backcrossing of plants and maintaining plant populations 3) Collecting data, organizing plant genotypes and populations and entering information into computer programs including word, excel and power-point to generate databases lists tables, and maintain laboratory records 4) collecting data and maintaining basic records, 5) basic laboratory work and support 6) maintenance of a clean and efficient work environment, and disposal of research waste, and 6) liaison with other technical staff, collaborating growers and travel to field plots to collect samples as required 7) prepare standard media strains, buffers and reagents 8) provide routine to moderately complex technical lab support for thee research program.The incumbent will contribute to the organization of laboratory, greenhouse and field facilities used by the team, assist with ensuring compliance with safety and health guidelines, and handle sensitive/confidential material in a professional manner. Once established the incumbent may be responsible for the periodic training of new staff and students.Required Qualifications

• High School diploma plus at least one year of formal training or beyond a high school degree in life sciences or environmental sciences.
• At least 12 months experience working with vegetable crops in a greenhouse environment including plant hybridization experience and harvesting
• Knowledge of vegetable breeding and experience with plant populations and crossing.
• Able to work with chemicals and laboratory/field equipment in a safe manner.
• Knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Word PowerPoint and Excel
• Must possess and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver license
• Ability to create an inclusive high quality and respectful work environment both in a team setting and independently to achieve lab, departmental and university goals.
• Must be personable, flexible, proactive, and possess excellent organizational and communication skills, and take pride in work.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and grower cooperators.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail and manual dexterity.
• Demonstrated effective listening skills, sound judgment, reasoning and decision-making skills, high-standard of record keeping.
• Willingness to undertake continued training and expansion of skills through participation in job-related courses, seminars and workshops.
• Assist in databases and routine laboratory efforts in support of the research program.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference will be given to candidate that have a associates or bachelors degree in the life sciences or affiliated discipline
• Work experience and education in life science and/or environmental science research.
• Experience growing and crossing plants under greenhouse or growth chamber conditions.
• Experience with vegetable breeding and population development
• Familiarity with basic laboratory practices.
• Technical work experience at Cornell AgriTech or similar institution.

University Job TitleTechnician IIJob FamilyTechnicalLevelBPay Rate TypeHourlyCompanyContract CollegeContact NameJessica TownleyNumber Of Openings1Job Titles And Pay RangesTo learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator. The final 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.

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