Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Working Title: Nursery Specialist
Classification Title: Extension Resource Educator (exempt)
Supervisor's Classification Title:
Extension Issue Leader - Agriculture
Primary Role and Accountability
Educator
will be responsible for providing leadership in the planning, delivery, and
evaluation of the extension nursery and landscape management educational
programs on Long Island. The target audiences for this specialized position are
the nursery growers and the horticultural service (landscapers, arborists,
etc.) operators on Long Island. The
educator will conduct applied research and demonstrations at the LI
Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead and at commercial
grower facilities. This person will also be responsible for the planning,
development and evaluation of environmental stewardship and sustainable
horticulture programs and will serve as subject matter resource to program
committees, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and clientele, including
agencies and other groups on a local, regional and statewide basis.
Issue Area Program Development and
Priority Setting Accountabilities (10%)
Identify ornamental horticulture
educational program needs with program advisory committees, program
participants, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and Cornell faculty.
Program Management and Coordination
Accountabilities (10%)
Develop educational strategies, maintaining direct linkage with Cornell and county extension staff dealing with nursery production and landscape management issues. Develop and enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industry and community leaders in the area of nursery production, horticultural services and environmental issues.
Subject Matter Resource and Program
Delivery Accountabilities (45%)
Serve as subject matter resource to
program committees, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and clientele,
including agencies and other groups on a local, regional and statewide basis.
Conduct educational programs through meetings, seminars, committees and individual
counseling on all aspects of ornamental horticulture and related environmental
issues. Develop networks of professionals to
extend ornamental horticulture program information to appropriate clientele. As
a team member, serve as a resource to other Cornell staff in cooperative
projects and programs. Provide counsel
and support to other extension staff to foster organizational confidence and
competence in program processes.
Research and Program Evaluation
Accountabilities (15%)
Conduct applied research and
demonstrations at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center
and on commercial sites as appropriate following prescribed Cornell policies.
Administrative Management
Accountabilities (Finance, Budget) (10%)
Develop and work
with the Nursery and Horticulture Services Advisory Committee to identify
priorities and resources needed in the program and develop methods of
information delivery. Monitor expenses and seek funding through grants in
support of the current programs and for expansion as necessary.
Professional Improvement (10%)
In
cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional
development plan as a means of increasing competencies relative to position
accountabilities and to address change in programming and Association
priorities.
EEO/EPO Accountabilities
Ensure
program outreach to diverse audiences, ensuring all searches reach out and
include a diverse pool. Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions
with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Contacts (level of interaction and
outcomes)
Attend
and actively participate in Nursery and Horticulture Services Advisory
Committee meetings and the Agricultural Program Advisory Committee. Coordinate
programs with all stakeholders in the ornamental horticultural industry and
staff at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center and at
Cornell University to stay abreast and ascertain changes and needs relevant to
association program. Actively represent the association on statewide Program
Work Teams to ensure connections that will enable increased capabilities to
address local and regional efforts and priorities. Represent the association to funding agencies and grant sources
to negotiate and develop new sources of revenue and opportunities to meet
program priority and clientele needs. Interact directly with, and seek the
resource expertise of faculty and other subject matter experts to address
identified needs and complex issues.
Reporting Relationships and Type of
Supervision Received/Given
This
position is accountable to and under the direct supervision of the Extension
Issue Leader - Agriculture, seeking input from the supervisor in non-routine or
complex subject matter situations. As a subject matter expert, independently
identify clientele and select appropriate subject matter relative to analyzed
needs, alerting supervisor of issues and concerns as well as actual or
potential areas of risk or conflict. Responsible for coaching, goal setting and
providing subject matter and supervisory support to non-exempt educators,
making hiring recommendations and addressing performance development issues.
Degree and Experience Pre-requisites
Masters
Degree required in Ornamental Horticulture or related sciences with emphasis in
plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology or nutrient management. Relevant
experience required.
Competencies
Necessary: Willingness to meet the travel demands of the position and
flexibility to work other than normal work hours (early morning or evening) as
required. Ability to use computers in communications, data access and information
analysis is essential. Willingness to obtain a New York State commercial
pesticide applicator's license.
Desirable:
Two
or more years experience in Cooperative Extension or similar educational
fields. Experience in working with business planning, labor issues, energy and
environmental stewardship as related to the industry is desirable. Course work
in plant pathology, entomology, pest management, plant physiology and/or
nutrient management.
APPLICATIONS
will be reviewed beginning 5/22/06, or until an acceptable pool of applicants
has been identified.
Send
letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#401, Box 26, Kennedy Hall,
Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.
For more information
about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk Co and this position, visit www.cce.cornell.edu/suffolk
**Individuals
who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly
encouraged to apply. EOE.
Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program
and employment opportunities.
FOR MORE
INFORMATION: http://www.cce.cornell.edu
3/21/06