Tech Services Supervisor II- Chamber Supervisor

The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all.  Cornell Core values

As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life’s challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need.    

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell.  These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

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. 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.

The Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES) is dedicated to sustainable "science for life," in its two-core separate but related functions -- the operation of world-class research facilities throughout the state and the generation and application of research-based knowledge through the administration of federal formula grants. The Cornell AES chamber operations on and around Cornell Campus are the largest non-commercial chamber facility in the state. The 125 chambers are primarily used as teaching and research facilities, housing a hundred different research projects at any given time. Chamber maintenance for all these projects are provided by the dedicated chamber crew staff, which is responsible for the setup, daily care, monitoring and maintenance. Growth chambers are designed to completely isolate research from the surrounding environment and provide total control of the climate inside the chamber. The amount of light and temperature can be closely regulated, and some chambers offer humidity control and CO2 enrichment options. This level of flexibility and control makes growth chambers indispensable for many researchers.

The position is located within the Cornell University Agriculture Experimental Station.

Under the very general supervision of the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, provide daily hands-on operational management for approximately 130 growth chambers and the SARL quarantine labs, greenhouses, and incubators serving multiple departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Chambers are located across 3 Chamber Hubs and 5 buildings, ranging in size from 6 to 108 square feet, and ranging in age from those built in the 1960s to current technology and builds. Design and build growth chamber and greenhouse equipment as required.

Consult with faculty and other investigators to ascertain needs, coordinate experimental set-up and plant care for growth chamber research, teaching, and extension projects. Interact frequently with growth chamber users to determine project needs, adjust chamber setpoints, and communicate policies and procedures. Provide technical support to researchers and communicate policies and procedures. Participate in formulation of research methods with growth chamber users. Follow through with experimental setup and chamber modifications or construction with facility users and trades for all projects. Adapt methods to fit research requirements and collaborate in developing new techniques. Coordinating with Greenhouse Managers and plant care staff, provide assistance and advice to faculty, staff, graduate students, and other researchers about plant maintenance procedures.

Provide daily supervision of the CALS Growth Chamber Maintenance Crew consisting of 3 regular, full-time technicians who repair and monitor chambers and associated equipment. Oversee and contribute to the planning and organization of the KPL and Chamber Crew Machine Shops. Hire, evaluate, and supervise employees. Assist in the development and implementation of safety and training programs; ensure adequate chemical handling and equipment training. Verify staff comply with all regulations.

Working with the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, plan and propose for continued improvements to growth chamber facilities. Supervise and train others in programming computerized environmental controls, including heating, cooling, ventilating, humidification, dehumidification, irrigation, photoperiod lighting, growth lighting and CO2 enrichment.

Work closely with the Plant Growth Facilities Manager and two Greenhouse Managers to coordinate growth chamber plant care and pest management efforts by plant growth facility staff. Oversee a growth chamber equipment database. Assess chamber use patterns, recommend growth chamber policies, user fee schedules and equipment decommissioning and replacement schedules. Work closely with the Plant Growth Facilities Manager, the Growth Chamber Crew, University trades Shops, Cornell utilities personnel and consulting engineers to upgrade and refit chambers to optimize performance and energy efficiency. Manage space requests and occupancy data and provide and reconcile billing. Assist PGF Manager with budgeting for the growth chamber operations. Negotiate with vendors and place orders for supplies, materials and equipment. Maintain supply thresholds, ensure proper utilization, and record of service for chambers. Serve as Building Coordinator and assume responsibility for physical plant functioning at several of the facilities housing growth chambers and SARL. Oversee monitoring and computer control of growth chamber environments. On call 24 hours/day for growth chamber equipment and facilities emergencies. Ensure compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations, and CALS and University policies relating to growth chamber functions.

Minimize energy and resource consumption and promote sustainability in all aspects of the chamber operations. Assist in development of recommendations for facility improvements. Responsible for physical functioning of the chambers. Communicate and coordinate facility maintenance needs and follow up with zone supervisors and tradespeople; submit tickets and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance. Ensure strict compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations and CALS and University policies regarding refrigerant use, storage, transport, report filing, and

recordkeeping.

This position includes 24/7 on-call responsibilities and requires weekend and holiday availability.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required training for People Leaders:

• Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position. Recommendations: Turning Point and Harold Craft.

• Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

• Proven experience connecting diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing practices to business goals.

• Bachelor’s Degree in horticulture, plant science, pathology, entomology, soil and crop science or related field with 3+ years of related experience in supervising chamber operations, supervising technical staff, and maintaining plant growth facilities, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• 3+ years of successful supervisory experience required, including hiring, training and mentoring staff.

• Evidence of leadership ability and commitment to customer service and teamwork fostering positive working relationships in a team environment.

• Demonstrated ability to cope with stress and appropriately prioritize while solving multiple problems and coordinating various tasks.

• Must be able to conduct tours and speak with visitors clearly and with confidence and congeniality.

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communications skills.

• Proven attention to detail and ability to adapt and improve processes.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and web browsers.

• Strong aptitude with plumbing, electrical, refrigeration and both computerized and electro-mechanical environmental control systems related to growth chamber operations.

• Working knowledge of plant physiology, plant nutrition, and Integrated Pest Management.

• Must have experience training others in chamber maintenance and repairs.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be cleared to drive for university business.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Must obtain OSHA forklift operator certification within one year of start date.

• Must obtain EPA Universal Certification or 608 Type I and Type II for refrigerants within one year of start date.

• Must complete Cornell Supervisory Development program within first year.

• Must complete Cornell University Supervisory Development Training within one year of hire into the position. Recommendations: Turning Point and Harold Craft.  

• Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.

• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.  

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.

• Experience and/or training in a research environment and familiarity with experimental design.

• Experience growing plants in a research setting.

• Adept skills with modern growth chamber equipment and controls.

• Aptitude in mechanical fabrication and refrigeration maintenance.

• Valid/current EPA Universal Certification or 608 Type I and Type II for refrigerants

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.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

   

University Job Title:

Tech Svcs Supv II

   

Job Family:

Academic Support

   

Level:

F

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$76,874.00 - $89,340.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Onsite

   

Company:

Contract College

   

Contact Name:

J'Frances White

   

Contact Email:

jmw572@cornell.edu

   

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• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-06-02