Just in from the Cornell Cooperative Extension Northeast NY Commercial Fruit program, is announcement of an open position at the cold hardy hybrid wine grape trial vineyard in Willsboro, NY. I’m well acquainted with the vineyard, having volunteered there for a few years, and I’m deeply connected to the area, due to family ties, and a lifetime of summers in the town. Were I in a different place in my life now, or if this was 15 years ago, I would not even be sharing this information. Rather I would be doing everything I could to assume the position myself, because I know that it will be an invaluable hands-on practice and learning experience for whomever is fortunate enough to be selected.
The trial vineyard is just under an acre in size, and is populated by 25 different varieties, 12 vines of each, divided into panels of 3 vines, of which each panel group has been planted in random sections throughout the rows. It sits just about a hundred feet or so above the western shore of Lake Champlain, and has a commanding view of the Green Mountains of Vermont. Good alluvial soil and glacial till, sit atop a limestone bed left by the 4,000 year incursion of the Atlantic ocean, which occurred at the end of the last glacial period that decisively shaped the geology of NY that we inhabit today.
Below is a consolidated description of the part-time seasonal position, based on the email that I received, and a formal description/application is available here: 2012 Tech Position – NENY Fruit Post:
Part-time seasonal technician position with Cornell University Extension’s Northeast NY Fruit Program based at the Cornell Baker Farm, Willsboro, the site of the Fruit Program’s Wine Grape Trial. The person hired will provide technical and program support to the NENYFP Extension Associate, Kevin Iungerman, in carrying out research and outreach that will enhance the profitability and sustainability of Northeast NY’s commercial orchards and vineyards.
She or he will primarily participate and assist in the collection and recording of data in research plots at the Cornell Baker Farm Wine Grape Trial, and potentially at other regional orchards and vineyards. Willsboro Grape Trial activities will include scouting for insect pests and disease risks, spraying as needed, vine and bud development, and maintaining good records. The person will assist with horticultural projects and educational programs for the Cornell Northeast New York Fruit Program, including work in connection with the Northern Grapes Project, a research and extension effort supported by National Institute for Agriculture, USDA.
The position will entail 20 – 40 hours/week in April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Work schedule and start and end dates are flexible. A locally residing person could possibly fill this position as a second job. This Position will be based at Cornell Baker Farm (Willsboro, NY) but duties may very occasionally occur elsewhere in the NENYF Program Area (Albany, Saratoga, Washington, Essex, and Clinton Counties) and as agreed upon.
Please contact Kevin Iungerman at kai3@cornell.edu or at 518-744-0720 as soon as possible if you are interested in applying for this position or you wish to learn more.
You might also contact Richard Lamoy of Morrisonville, NY, at: richl@charter.net . Richard previously filled this position before departing to attend the growing demands of his own vineyard and winery. http://hipvineyard.com
This position will be filled as soon as possible.
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Kevin Iungerman, Extension Associate
Cornell University Cooperative Extension’s Northeast NY Commercial Fruit Program50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 885-8995
FAX: (518) 885-9078
email: kai3@cornell.edu
website: NE NY Cold Climate Orchards and Vineyards
http://nenycoldclimateorchardsandvineyards.com
