CORNELL UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

 

POSITION TITLE: Extension Associate

 

WORKING TITLE: Fruit Business Management Educator

 

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Regional Agriculture Programs Coordinator

 

DEPARTMENT: Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration

 

LOCATION: Hudson Valley Laboratory, Highland, NY. 

 

 

I.  Summary Statement of Purpose and Responsibilities

Provide fruit growers/producers with the knowledge and resources necessary to assess alternative production and marketing practices that will enhance their profitability and the sustainability of the fruit industry in New York State. 

 This is a statewide position with emphasis in Eastern New York.

 

II.  Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities

      A.   Program Development and Implementation                                                             65%

Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating a comprehensive and high impact education program that addresses producer identified needs and opportunities in the area of business management and economics of commercial fruit production.

Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and market alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities.

Explore emerging consumer market demands and apply the implications to commercial production opportunities in the fruit industry. 

Fulfill the obligations and outcomes associated with the New York Farm Viability Institute grant currently funding portions of the program.

Implement the Fruit Farm Business Summary with growers in Eastern New York in cooperation with Cornell Department of Applied Economics and Management and Extension Associates in other regional programs.

Develop business-planning guidelines for new enterprises.

Plan and implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods including Direct Teaching through group experiences, Mass Media, Newsletters, Electronic Technology, use of the Internet and Distance Learning. 

One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem solving.

Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend the program.

 

B.   Applied Research                                                                                                  15%

Initiate and conduct appropriate in-depth applied research with regional and statewide implications in commercial fruit business management and marketing.

Participate in collaborative research projects with other university and extension faculty and staff.

C.  Professional Improvement                                                                                       05%

Participate in professional development opportunities appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.

Participate in related professional organizations.

D.  Program Evaluation                                                                                                        15%

Define and develop reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes.

Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for altering and improving these efforts.

Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate.

Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of all funding partners.

III. Supervision

Administrative direction and guidance provided by the Regional Agriculture Programs Coordinator as representative of Extension Administration.

Academic oversight and guidance provided by designated Faculty and Extension Associates in the departments of Applied Economics and Management and Horticulture Sciences

Program oversight and direction provided by program advisory groups comprised predominantly of producers and industry partners.

IV. Administrative and Program Relationships

Internal

Work as a member of existing regional, multi-county and statewide teams.

Work closely with other State Specialists to maximize statewide impact.

Work closely with faculty and administration at Cornell, Geneva Experiment Station and the Hudson Valley Lab.

Build collaborative relationships and maintain timely and effective communication with County Extension Associations.

External

Build and maintain effective relationships with growers and producers.

Develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with appropriate agribusiness, industry partners, other educational institutions and governmental agencies and organizations.

V. Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required to Perform the Work of this Position

  • Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
  • Successful experience in strategic plan development; implementing, sustaining and evaluating high impact educational programs.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in one-on-one and group settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
  • Proven teaching, organizational, administrative and management skills.
  • Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects in commercial fruit business management and marketing.
  • Successful fiscal planning: fund development, budgeting, fiscal management and accountability.
  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.
  • Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development).
  • Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
  • Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

VI. Minimum Education

Required

Masters Degree with a concentration in Agribusiness, Business Management, Marketing or a closely related field.

Desired

Coursework in Education, related sciences such as Horticulture, Pomology, Viticulture

VII. Minimum Experience

Required

Two years relevant experience in Cooperative Extension, Agribusiness, Adult Education or closely related field

Desired

Five years relevant experience

Knowledge and/or experience in current and emerging Fruit Crop production and marketing practices.

 

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 12/15/06, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

 

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to Extension Associate – Fruit Business Mgmt search committee, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.

 

 

**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