Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County

Position Description

Working Title: Dairy Educator

Classification Title: Community Educator

Supervisor: Executive Director

Primary Role and Accountability

Serve as a member of a team in planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs related primarily to Dairy with a minor emphasis on livestock for clientele in Clinton County. Promote program objectives and plans within the assigned areas of responsibility. Work effectively as a team member for Agriculture Program efforts and general Extension office support and duties (marketing, programs, etc). Impact audiences through a variety of delivery methods including farm visits, meetings, workshops, demonstration projects and written materials. Direct supervision and program leadership provided by the Executive Director.

Issue Area Program Development and Priority Setting Accountabilities (15%)

Under the guidance of the Agriculture Issue Committee and supervisor, establish program priorities, goals, evaluations and outcomes.

· Plan the delivery of established short and long-range educational programs within the areas of dairy management based upon the Association’s plan of work

· Assist in identifying and structuring programs that address local needs and consider the diversity of the intended audience

· Draw upon Cornell program resources and recommendations and coordinate activities in conjunction with the Executive Director (supervisor) and Issue Committee to address clientele needs and to select appropriate program materials.

· Involve, utilize inform and advise volunteers serving on advisory committees

· Provide support interpreting Cornell and Association program direction; communicate recommendations to clientele and assist supervisor in fostering acceptance of innovative program methods and policies to address priority issues

· Provide input to the supervisor and association committees in preparing and submitting proposals for additional funding. Seek proposals for outside funding sources.

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery Accountabilities (80%)

· Educate producers in the areas of dairy management primarily and to a lesser degree livestock and alternative practices.

· Consult with Association staff, Cornell faculty and regional educators and specialists upon the direction of the supervisor to obtain specialized assistance in developing/delivering programs and materials or in addressing unique situations.

· Serve as a contact to producer groups, governmental agencies and agri-business groups consulting with resource specialists locally, regionally or at Cornell for assistance where specialized response or action is required.

· Work in concert with other staff and regional colleagues to present a ‘whole farm’ approach when appropriate.

· Implement on-going state-wide programs such as Pro-Dairy on a local basis.

· Assist 4-H Dairy Clubs in dairy related subject matter.

· Impact audiences through a variety of delivery methods including farm visits, meetings, workshops, demonstration projects, client consultations, written materials and mass media efforts including newspaper articles and monthly regional newsletters.

· Conduct established programs in collaboration with government agencies, agri-business and other groups.

· Collaborate with staff and partnering agencies on agricultural promotion activities such as plan agendas, develop fliers, promote in newsletter and newspapers, arrange program materials.

· Collaborate with staff of neighboring counties to gather information and make recommendations to the Executive Director for strengthening and enhancing programs.

· Assist Executive Director in interpreting evaluation data to the public within the marketing plan parameters.

· Assist Executive Director in administrative and program management activities as assigned.

· Assist Executive Director and Issue Committee in preparing and submitting proposals to secure additional funding.

· Contribute to compiling and preparing written reports on work plans and accomplishments.

Professional Improvement (5%)

· In cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address change in programming and association priorities.

· Participate in in-service education relevant to assigned program responsibilities.

· Participate in required professional trainings (some trainings may occur outside of the county).

EEO/EPO Accountabilities

· Ensure the program reaches out to diverse audiences.

· Embrace and appreciate diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

Contacts (level of interaction and outcomes)

· With guidance and assistance from supervisor, attend meetings of cooperating government agencies including Soil & Water Conservation District, Farm Services Agency and Natural Resource Conservation Service.

· Attend issue committee and some outside stakeholder meetings to stay abreast and ascertain changes and needs relevant to the Agriculture program.

· Represent the association in regional work groups to ensure connections that will enable increased capabilities to address local and regional efforts and priorities.

· Interact with program participants, Issue Committee, advisory groups, Cornell program specialists and faculty, and county and community leaders to obtain their evaluation of program efforts.

Reporting Relationships and Type of Supervision Received/Given

· Report to and receive close supervision from the Executive Director

· Receive guidance from the Agriculture Issue Committee.

· Develop and maintain a good working relationship and function as a contact for area farm groups, government agencies, agri-business people and county officials.

Degree and Experience Pre-requisites

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in agriculture with a major or emphasis in dairy science or closely related discipline. Course work in animal science and business management beneficial.

· Minimum of one year related experience in agri-business, teaching or Extension.

Competencies

Necessary:

· Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

· Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position relative to work accountabilities and required training and development sessions which may be out of county..

· Proven communication skills through oral, written and visual channels using traditional tools and a willingness to learn how to use innovative applications of electronic technology such as video-conferencing.

· Ability to facilitate group meetings.

· Proven ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach and evaluated informal educational programs.

· Proven ability to identify and involve appropriate people in determining program directions.

· Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders and clientele groups.

· Ability to work collaboratively and to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

· Ability to relate to diverse audiences.

· Familiarity with a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.

· Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels. Familiarity with electronic technology.

· Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.

· Ability to utilize program resources within the community.

APPLICATIONS will be accepted until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to:

Amy D. Ivy
Executive Director/Extension Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension Clinton County

6064 Route 22 #5  Plattsburgh, NY  12901
phone: (518)561-7450  fax: (518)561-0183
http://ecgardening.cce.cornell.edu/

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.cce.cornell.edu