CORNELL UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

 

POSITION TITLE: Extension Associate

 

WORKING TITLE: Viticulture Extension Educator

 

TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Regional Agriculture Programs Coordinator

 

DEPARTMENT: Cornell Cooperative Extension Administration

 

LOCATION: Finger Lakes Region – Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben and Yates Counties

 

I.  Summary Statement of Purpose and Responsibilities

Provide commercial grape growers/producers with the knowledge and resources necessary to assess production, management and marketing practices that will enhance their profitability and sustain the growth of the grape and wine industry in the Finger Lakes region. 

 

II. Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities

A.          Program Development and Implementation                                                                  50%

Provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that addresses producer identified needs and opportunities.  Emphasis is on grape production including: variety selection, soil and site selection, growth control, nutrition and water management, pest management, harvest, handling and marketing.

Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production, management and market alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices, new varieties, consumer market demands, etc.

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.

 

B.          Applied Research                                                                                                        20%

Initiate and conduct field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial grape production in the Finger Lakes Region.

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

 

C.          Program Management                                                                                                 15%

Responsible for day-to-day program operations and fiscal accountability

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

 

D.          Professional Improvement                                                                                           05%

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

Participate in related professional organizations

 

E.           Program Evaluation                                                                                                     10%

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 enhancing 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

Program development guidance and support provided by Sr. Extension Associate in Viticulture

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

Program oversight and direction provided by program advisory groups comprised of Executive Directors of partner Extension Associations, producers and industry partners.

Provides supervision and guidance to part time and temporary program staff

 

IV. Administrative and Program Relationships

Internal

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

Work closely with other State Specialists to maximize statewide impact.

Work closely with faculty and administration at Cornell and Geneva Experiment Station

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 Desired to Perform the Work of this Position

  • Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
  • 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 organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects
  • Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support
  • 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 Viticulture or a closely related field.

Desired

Coursework in soils, plant physiology, entomology, plant pathology, agriculture economics, education and communication

 

VII. Minimum Experience

Required

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

Desired

Five years relevant experience

Knowledge and/or experience in current and emerging Grape and Wine Production and Marketing practices.

 

HOW TO APPLY:   Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to Area Fruit Extension Educator-Viticulture, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.  Contact Connie Kan at ck236@cornell.edu for any questions.

 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 6, 2007 or until a suitable candidate is hired.

 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Cornell University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Cornell University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, disability, religion, age, or sexual orientation.