Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County

Program Family Position Description

Working Title:            Agriculture/Horticulture Educator

Classification Title:    Extension Sr. Resource Educator

Supervisor's Classification Title: Extension Issue Leader

Primary Role and Accountability

· Provide coordination for implementation of the Agricultural/Horticulture issues program.  Deliver and develop educational programs to clientele in cooperation with CCE staff and volunteers, and outside agencies and organizations.  Responsible for providing leadership, planning, priority setting, and evaluation functions for agriculture and horticulture programs; and for coordinating local programs with regional and statewide issues and resources.

· Primary program emphasis is livestock and general agriculture that is conducted in cooperation with the Regional Dairy Team.  Other subject area responsibilities include cooperating with environment program planning and association-wide priorities.

Issue Area Program Development and Priority Setting Accountabilities (25%)

· Develop a comprehensive program to meet the animal science management and general agriculture needs of targeted agriculture audiences in Broome County.

Program Management and Coordination Accountabilities(20%)

· Work in concert with other team members to present a "whole farm" approach when appropriate.

· Prepare reports on program progress and accomplishments of multi-county programming for local, state and national use.

· Collaborate with the Agriculture Profitability and Horticulture staff to plan and deliver programs as appropriate.

· Coordinate and monitor a comprehensive horticulture program in cooperation with local and statewide resources.

· Join other paid and volunteer staff as requested to conduct programs and support total CCE programs within the mission, such as county fair, dinners and exhibits.

· Participate in meetings with paid and volunteer staff, clientele and Cornell faculty related to the direction and work of the organization and the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs.

· Give liaison and support to Information Center personnel for updating files, promoting materials and informing them of program content and availability. Keep person schedule up-to-date with receptionist.

· Assist support staff and program colleagues by planning work in a timely manner and keep team secretary and team leader informed about program and personal schedule.

· Respond to requests from community media representatives for information about individual and team programs and refer other questions to executive director or appropriate person.

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery Accountabilities (40%)

· Educate farm operators in the principles and application of animal science management including breeding, herd management, herd health, crop fertility, young stock management, marketing and pasture grazing systems.

· Teach the importance and use of production records to analyze performance and develop management strategies.

· Assist farm operators in the design, selection, and operation of cost-efficient housing systems and associated components and equipment.

· Coordinate/conduct educational activities for farm operators, agri-business representatives, and government agencies in response to emerging issues.

· Serve as an educational resource to producer groups, government agencies and associated agri-business groups.

Research and Program Evaluation Accountabilities (10%)

· Analyze and evaluate major programs and make recommendations for alteration and improvement. Communicate evaluation results.

· Prepare reports and communicate impact of programs to funders, appropriate committees with CCE, Cornell faculty/administration, and the community.

Professional Improvement (5%)

· Develop a professional improvement plan in cooperation with supervisor to increase competency in job responsibilities and maintain program excellence.

· Attend appropriate inservice education to keep current on subject matter and process/teaching techniques.

· Assume active membership in professional societies and organizations mutually agreeable to both supervisor and educator.

EEO/EPO Accountabilities

· Ensure that program activities reach out to diverse audiences.

· Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

Contacts (level of interaction and outcomes)

· Support and participate in statewide programs such as Pro-dairy and GrazeNY.

· Attend program committee meetings.

· Develop and maintain a good working relationship with area farm groups, government agencies and agri-business representative.

· Interpret total CCE mission and program direction to volunteer and paid staff as well as key community leaders. Foster a climate for innovative programs, methods and policies that address priority issues.

· Interact directly with, and seek the resource expertise of faculty and other subject matter experts to address identified needs and to address complex issues.

Reporting Relationships and Type of Supervision Received/Given

· Report to and receive supervision and guidance from the Executive Director.

· Supervise agriculture/horticulture staff. (how many people this person will supervise?)

Degree and Experience Pre-requisites

Required:

· Masters of Science Degree from accredited institution with emphasis in dairy science.

· Two years as a Cooperative Extension educator or equivalent professional experience in teaching or education in an academic or business setting.

Desirable:

· Additional training in animal science production, agricultural engineering, or adult education.

· Agricultural background, agri-business or farm experience, computer education and /or computer experience.

Competencies

Necessary:

· Knowledge of principles, theory and research in dairy/livestock production and related subjects.

· Demonstrated ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research/demonstration projects.

· General knowledge of the CCE system and goals.

· Ability to initiate, plan, implement, teach and evaluate informal educational programs addressing diverse audiences.

· Ability to identify and use program resources within the team, CCE, the community and Cornell.

· Effective use of a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.

· Ability to understand, interpret and communicate complex issues to citizens.

· Ability to identify and involve appropriate people and committees in determining program direction and multiplying program effectiveness.

· Ability to effectively lead and participate in professional team efforts.

· Human relation skills, which provide the ability to organize, develop, motivate and work with staff, diverse audiences, government and community leaders and the wider CCE system.

· Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels using traditional educational tools, as well as electronic technology including word processing, internet use, and spreadsheet computer software.

· Ability to reach sites away from main CCE-BC office; mileage reimbursed in accordance with CCE-BC travel policies.

· Willingness to work evenings and /or weekends in order to reach program participants, volunteers and other community members.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 8/14/2006, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#409, 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