S06 Field Assistant - Cornell Lab of Ornithology - Military Veterans

S06 Field Assistant - Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Cornell Lab of Ornithology - S06 Field Assistant

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

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.

About Us

Located in the beautiful Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (the Lab) is dedicated to advancing the understanding and protection of the natural world and joins with people from all walks of life to make new scientific discoveries, share insights, and galvanize conservation action. The Lab is a vibrant unit within Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), where several full-time faculty teach undergraduate courses, advise graduate students, and manage world-class, mission-driven programs. Our management and staff are committed to the highest standards of ethics and excellence in all areas of our work.

What You Will Do

The Lab of Ornithology is seeking a Field Assistant to assist in maintaining the 590+ acres in Tompkins County and Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary. This includes approximately 5 miles of walking trails, ponds, wetlands, and specialized bird feeding gardens. This unique natural environment is utilized by over 60,000 visitors annually and requires specialized and detailed care. Work includes lawn mowing, trailing trimming, spreading wood chips, removing beaver dams, invasive plant removal, tree cutting and assisting other team members when necessary.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform manual labor and independently operate light and heavy equipment for general landscape maintenance and/or landscape construction tasks, including trail maintenance, plant maintenance, litter control, beaver dam removal, snow removal and other duties.

• Promptly report unsafe conditions, damage landscape, equipment, or facilities.

• Safely operate hand and self-propelled equipment and tools including string trimmers, walk behind mowers, pole saws, blowers, hedge trimmers, rakes, shovels, and tractors/utility vehicles to achieve required landscape standards.

• Subject to shift changes (which may include early mornings and weekends) to meet seasonal work demand.

• May encounter animals. May be exposed to bees/stings, other environmental allergens, and seasonal weather conditions.

This UAW union position is full time for 9 months of the year (April 1 - December 31) and part-time, 20 hours for 3 months of the year (Jan 1 - March 31).

This position may require an adjusted schedule (weather dependent) to meet business needs. The position is located at the Lab of Ornithology and is fully on-site.

What We Need from You

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• High School education and 2 years' experience or equivalent combination. Landscape maintenance or related field experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to use numerous tools and equipment for building/grounds maintenance. At least 1 year of proven experience working with tractors, chain saws, mowers, weed eaters, ATV's, rakes, shovels, snow blowers, etc.
• Experienced operating large tractor.
• Must have and maintain valid NYS driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle or Cornell-owned) to travel to and from job sites.
• Ability to work comfortably and safely on 10'-12' stepladders and 24' extension ladders.
• Knowledge of job-related safety procedures.
• Must keep all assigned safety training current and up to date.
• Must be able to perform heavy lifting over 50lbs.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team while meeting tight deadlines.
• Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process is the norm and be a creative problem solver. Must be flexible, open, and receptive to new ideas and approaches and have the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Must be able to work well and communicate respectfully with people from very diverse backgrounds.
• Must be able to foster and maintain excellent working relationships with the Lab and Cornell communities which includes coworkers, collaborators, students, visitors, and customers from very diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. This requires approaching all matters with an open mind, sense of curiosity, service-minded attitude, tact, and diplomacy.
• Motivated and takes initiative to be proactive.
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, time management, and problem-solving skills to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
• Must have the ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to work early shifts and weekends as needed.
• Ability to keep up with necessary training requirements.
• All safety gear is provided as needed. Safety shoes are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal training in equipment operation or ornamental horticulture helpful.
• Previous safety training or ability to complete within 1 month of hire.

Essential Working Conditions ( after considering reasonable accommodations)

Physical (lift/carry/push/pull): Typically lifts more than 50 lbs.

Visual: Acute concentration/eye-hand coordination

Hazards: Chemicals/safety precautions

Your Total Rewards

Compensation for UAW- S06:

Hire Rate - $24.75 per hour,

Job Rate - $25.93 per hour

Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year's Day), educational benefits, and superior retirement contributions.

No visa sponsorship available for this position. No relocation available for this position.

How to Apply:

You must submit a Resume .

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.

University Job Title:
Field Assistant S06
Job Family:
United Auto Workers
Level:
S06
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Denise Smith

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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

Union Positions

Current Employees:

Online Submission Guidelines :

Employment Assistance:

Notice to Applicants:

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
2024-10-28