Dairy Sustainability Assistant

The Opportunity

We are hiring two Dairy Sustainability Assistants for an anticipated January 18, 2027 start date. Applications submitted by November 9, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Dairy Sustainability Assistant role is located within the department of Animal Science . The primary purpose for this position is to assist in the assessment of whole-farm nutrient mass balances and greenhouse gas emissions using the Cornell Nutrient Mass Balance (NMB) tool and Cool Farm Platform (CFP), with opportunities to assist in other sustainability tools, assessments and indicators.

The Dairy Sustainability Assistants will

• Help with development and improvements in farm data collection and input templates, extension training materials for farmers and public and private sector nutrient management planners and crop advisors, entry of farm data, preparation of farm reports, and the analysis of nutrient balances and carbon footprints.
• Assist in farm data collection, data quality checks, and reporting results back to the participating farmers and farm advisors. In addition to NMB and CFP assessments, this position may also aid in the evaluation and application of additional sustainability assessment tools, including FARM-ES, COMET, and approaches for assessing on-farm biodiversity.

This is a full-time, one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

An on-site presence is required.

About the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

About the Department of Animal Science

The Department of Animal Science’s mission is to discover and disseminate new knowledge about the biology and management of domestic animals and to apply this knowledge to benefit society. Our department is devoted to undergraduate and graduate teaching, research, extension and outreach.

The sustainability of animal feeding operations in New York depends greatly on their ability to increase nutrient recycling on the farm, reduce N and P losses to the environment, reduce cost of production and increase yield and milk sales. The Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) team within the Department of Animal Science works on applied research and extension projects to quantify nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural forage production (corn silage and hay fields) as impacted by crop and fertility management. The NMSP leads the development of Cornell guidelines for nutrient management of field crops in New York and aids in its statewide implementation.

Success Factors

You will thrive in this role if you demonstrate

• Data accuracy and practical analysis: Carefully organizes, checks, and processes farm data using Excel and assessment tools. Identifies missing information or discrepancies, troubleshoots with colleagues, and helps produce accurate, useful farmer reports.
• Clear communication and reliable follow-through: Builds respectful relationships with farmers, company sustainability staff, advisors, and colleagues. Asks clear questions, explains information accessibly, and follows through on data requests and reporting commitments.
• Organization, ownership, and collaborative judgment: Manages multiple assignments and deadlines, communicates progress and challenges honestly, and asks for guidance when needed. Shares information and supports colleagues so the two assistants can provide dependable backup.
• Learning agility and educational support: Learns sustainability concepts and software tools, applies feedback, and translates technical information into practical training materials, fact sheets, and articles. Contributes actively to a team that supports learning across different backgrounds and perspectives.

Hours and Location

These full-time positions are based on-site in Morrison Hall on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday, generally between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., with some flexibility in start and end times coordinated with the supervisor. Earlier starts may be needed for farm visits and program activities. Weekend work is not expected.

Travel to participating farms within New York State is required. Travel varies throughout the year and may occasionally involve several consecutive days of farm visits. University fleet vehicles are available for business travel.

What We Need

• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Associate’s degree and up to 1 year of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Proficient in use of computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint, Word, R; experience with Python, or other data analysis tools is an advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication and organizational skills required.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Ability to work independently once provided sufficient direction.
• Ability to work alone or with a team and problem-solve as needed.
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and problem-solving skills and the ability to work well within a team of professionals.
• Ability to plan ahead and anticipate potential issues, with strong ability for multi-tasking.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team; and have strategies to ensure tasks are completed, including following up with team members, as needed.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, handle the demands of deadlines, and seamlessly move between changing priorities.
• Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities.
• Experience working with inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing programs
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more things that we would prefer you to have, but it’s ok if you don’t.

• Bachelor's Degree or coursework in agronomy, crop and soil science, or animal science with focus on integration of disciplines and systems analyses; 1-2 years’ experience in related field.
• Experience with data collection and report generation using NMB and CFP software.
• Experience with data management, including the accurate and confidential handling of large databases and sensitive information.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.