Forestry-Maple Extension Aide, CALS Ashely School of Global Development and the Environment (Onsite)

The Opportunity 

The Ashley School – Section of Natural Resources and the Environment is seeking a motivated, organized, and dependable Forestry-Maple Extension Aide to support forestry and maple extension programs at the Arnot Teaching and Research Forest. This position combines field operations, applied research support, maple syrup production, forest management activities, and equipment maintenance in a unique outdoor learning and demonstration environment.

Working closely with extension and research staff, this position plays a key role in maintaining demonstration sites, collecting field data, supporting forest management activities, and assisting with maple syrup production systems. 

This is a highly hands-on position requiring comfort working outdoors year-round in dense vegetation, a variety of weather conditions, and including winter fieldwork.

Successful candidates will be dependable, safety-conscious, eager to learn, and possess the relevant experience or coursework in forestry, maple production, natural resources, agriculture, logging, wildlife management, or a related field. 

Responsibilities 

• Assist with maple syrup production activities, including operation of maple equipment, installation and maintenance of maple tubing and mainline systems, and preparation of maple production systems used for extension demonstrations and applied research

• Collect forest inventory and applied forestry research data, and accurately record field research data, including DBH, tree height, plot layout, and land navigation with compass and pacing

• Identify common tree species, assist with timber cruising, tree measurements, and GPS-based field data collection, and support timber marking and demonstration harvest activities 

• Inspect logging operations and interact with foresters, loggers, truck drivers, and contractors

• Perform directional tree felling, limbing, bucking, and boundary marking

• Operate equipment in forested environments and assist with road and trail maintenance

• Support the development of extension outreach materials through accurate field data collection and documentation. 

• Assist with operation, maintenance, repair of pumps, engines, and other mechanical systems and perform grounds and building maintenance 

• Support management of public access deer hunter/hunting oversight and have knowledge of NYSDEC deer hunting regulations 

• Maintain pesticide and deer management records and complete required reporting

• Assist faculty and staff with research projects conducted at the Arnot Forest

This is a full-time position at 97.5% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance. 

About the College: 

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.  

About the Ashley School of Global Development and the Environment:  

Leveraging research, teaching and extension to address many of the world’s biggest challenges and creating a dynamic ecosystem for discovery and innovation that contributes to resilient, sustainable and equitable futures in New York State and around the world. 

What We Need 

• Associate degree and up to 2 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination 

• Relevant coursework and/or experience in forestry, maple production, natural resources, agriculture, wildlife management, logging, or a related field. 

• Punctual, reliable, outcome-oriented person capable of daily work in rugged forested conditions

• Experience in either forestry/logging operations or maple production 

• Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and weather conditions

• Mechanical aptitude and experience using tools and equipment

• Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately collect and record field data

• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications

• Excellent communication and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Commitment to safety, reliability, and professional work habits

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 of Science degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field 

• Experience operating heavy equipment such as tractors, skid steers, skidders, excavators, or bulldozers

• Experience with GPS technology and field data collection tools 

• Tree identification and forest inventory experience 

• Experience with chainsaw operation and directional tree felling 

• Game of Logging and Pesticide Applicator certification or willingness to obtain certification after hire

Rewards and Benefits  

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

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

University Job Title:

Program/Extension Aide III

Job Family:

Academic Support

Level:

C

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Pay Range:

$24.30 - $26.79

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Freddie Salley

Contact Email:

[email protected]

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• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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2026-09-21