Agricultural Program Assistant - Riverhead, NY

Seasonal Program Assistant needed for Cornell Cooperative Extension's Suffolk County Agricultural Stewardship Program based at the Long Island Horticulture Research and Extension Center, 3059 Sound Ave. in Riverhead. The Agricultural Stewardship Program researches and promotes ways to minimize nitrogen and pesticide loading into Long Island surface and ground water. The Agricultural Stewardship Program Assistant will assist with research trials and educational events. The starting date is flexible, or May 4, 2026, and the ending date is flexible, or October 21, 2026. Applicant must be able to work 8am-4:30pm, 3 days a week. Scheduling is flexible.Required Qualifications:High School diploma or equivalency and six months of volunteer or work experienceAbility to work outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather, performing various farm and field activitiesAbility to understand and implement written and oral instructionMust be reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a teamAbility to complete any given task in an efficient and timely mannerAttention to detail and good observational skillsMust be able to lift 20-50 lbsKnowledge of Microsoft Word and ExcelAbility to meet the travel requirements associated with the position; Valid NYS driver's license, three years of driving experience, and pass a motor vehicle screening.Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.Preferred Qualifications:Interest in agriculture and plant or soil sciences is preferredResponsibilities/Essential Functions:Maintenance of research trials on and off-sitePerforms duties including but not limited to planting, weeding, harvesting, and lifting of produce.Leaf tissue and soil samplingAssist with data collection and entryAssist with integrated pest management in orchardsAssist with on farm fertilizer trialsScout for pests and report pest occurrences and severity daily to SupervisorMaintain program files and recordsPOSITION DETAILS:Salary: $19-20 per hourSchedule: NONEXEMPT – TEMP: May 2026 – October 2026 (24hrs/wk)No relocation or VISA Sponsorship availableHOW TO APPLY:Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.Applicants need to:Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) (https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/how-we-hire) document for additional guidance.Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) (https://apps.hr.cornell.edu/workdayCommunications/Recruitment%20job%20aids/applying_for_a_job_internal.pdf) document for additional guidance.The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 or via email at HR-CCESuffolk@cornell.eduCornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.Job Title:Association Tmp ProgramLevel:No Grade - HourlyPay Rate Type:HourlyCompany:Contact Name:Ashley DownsCornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.