The initial objective of the position will be outlined by the supervisor and involve soliciting and compiling information from local wineries, grape growers, and potential grape growers concerning research/extension needs, promising options for program directions, and potential locations for off-site research plantings. Consult directly with existing Cornell faculty and extension educators in Ithaca, Geneva, and the major wine-grape production areas around New York State to learn what resources are already available within the state, to determine where useful linkages can be established between Hudson Valley grape research/extension program and on-going programs in other regions, and to identify specific information gaps that must be addressed at the local level (i.e., via field research in the Hudson Valley).
The second objective will be to initiate the placement and monitoring of temperature sensors in critical vineyard locations throughout the Hudson Valley by October of 2006. Instrumentation purchase and data recording will be advised by the Grape Physiology program in the HortSciences Department, Geneva. The goal is to generate a data base of temperature data that can be used in conjunction with fine-scale meteorological models to identify promising sites for production of cold-sensitive vinifera grapes.
The third objective of this position will be to design experimental grape plantings in consultation with the Viticultural Research Support Specialist at Geneva that can be established at the Hudson Valley Lab and in Hudson Valley commercial vineyards for purposes of evaluating grape cultivars and clones that might be best suited for wine production under Hudson Valley conditions. Plantings may also be designed to evaluate training systems and/or other horticultural management practices.
Cornell University is a bold, innovative, inclusive and dynamic teaching and research university where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to make an enduring contribution to the betterment of humanity.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Either (1) a Bachelor's degree in horticulture plus 2 years experience working with grape research or production, or (2) a Bachelor's degree in some other field plus 5-6 years experience working with grape research or production. Applicants must have and maintain a valid driver license and must have experience with and capability of handling farm equipment used to establish and maintain vineyards; be familiar with common computer software including Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, PowerPoint); have a N.Y. State Certified Pesticide Applicators License. Must be able to operate in a busy support environment. Positive responsiveness and interactions with others and the ability to be a "team-player" are vital. Ability to help establish realistic goals and priorities and deliver work on time. Demonstrable skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and written and oral communication. Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment. Must maintain high level of confidentiality. Able to work quickly, effectively under pressure, use judgment in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature. Must be comfortable working in an environment where change in process/procedures is the norm. Must have excellent customer service skills, and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people is essential.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in horticulture or related field preferred. Graduate training and/or extensive field experience relating to vineyard management and wine production. Familiarity with N. Y. State grape production systems and/or with the climate, soils, and farming infrastructure in the Hudson Valley. Work experience that involves extensive public interaction (e.g., teaching, sales, customer service, and cooperative extension). Experience in initiating new programs or businesses (e.g., devising new course materials, starting new enterprises). Course work and/or experience with experimental design, statistical analyses, and statistical analysis packages such as SAS. Experience with grant preparation and fund-raising.
No relocation assistance is provided for this position.
Profile Job Field Research Support
Locations United States
Department Horticultural Sciences
Schedule Full-time
Job Type Standard
Overtime Status Exempt
Recruiting Range $45,200 to $55,200
To apply visit http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs, search for job number 5744 or browse under Staff positions
Contact: Patricia Mahoney
Email: pmm19@nysaes.cornell.edu