Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Schuyler County

Position Description

Position Title: Agriculture and Natural Resource Educator

Classification: Senior Extension Resource Educator

Supervisor: Executive Director

Date Prepared: February, 2007

I. Summary Statement of Purpose and Responsibilities

This position provides leadership for Schuyler County's agricultural and natural resources programs. Examples of program include agriculture economic development, rural land use issues, sustainable agriculture, natural resources management including forestry and maple production, and consumer horticulture. This position also contributes to the South Central New York Agriculture team where expertise of participating educators is shared across county lines. This position requires work with multiple audiences including producers, industry people, small-scale farmers, rural landowners, elected officials, agencies, organizations and volunteers. The position serves as a first point of entry to the cooperative extension system for all agriculture and natural resource interests.

II. Specific Job Functions and Responsibilities

A. Program Development and Delivery – Schuyler County (50%)

1. Develop and deliver county education programs meeting the needs of rural property owners and residents, focusing on small-scale and value-added agriculture, natural resources management, and consumer horticulture. Provide in-depth disciplinary support and input into program, evaluation, grants/contracts, marketing, research, and program supervision. Assist and provide input in program development for complex, specific program initiatives and efforts and the connection to Cornell Faculty, program teams and work teams.

2. Contribute to increased public understanding of agriculture and natural resource policy issues through participation on the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Water Quality Coordinating Committee and other appropriate forums.

3. Contribute to increased community economic vitality by assisting farmers and rural landowners in the identification and development of income-producing opportunities. Work in partnership with relevant Schuyler County agencies and individuals to develop agritourism opportunities.

4. Provide resource support to Schuyler County Garden Group. Promote Master Forest Owner training opportunities and engage volunteers in outreach.

5. Provide resources and assistance for public education and information concerning insect, disease and plant species identification. Respond to requests and/or refer to Cornell-based resources such as the Plant Pathology Lab, Soils Lab, Insect Diagnostic Service and Foliar Test Lab.

6. Assist with the recruitment of advisory committee members who express the agricultural diversity of the county. Serve as lead staff for advisory committee meetings and provide input and support

7. Seek external funding to support projects and programs.

8. Collaborate with other CCE-Schuyler program areas to foster and implement cross-program opportunities.

B. Program Development and Delivery – South Central NY Agriculture Team (45%)

1. Participate on the South Central NY Agriculture Team serving Schuyler, Tompkins, Tioga and Cortland counties.

2. In collaboration with faculty and team members, develop and deliver educational programs addressing rural land use and natural resource issues such as the establishment or expansion of farm-based enterprises, pond and woodlot management, and agroforestry. Participate on the New York State Maple Team and provide leadership to regional maple-related programming.

3. In collaboration with other agencies, assist farmers and rural landowners with achieving environmental management objectives.

C. Professional Development (5 %)

Maintain a current knowledge of policies, principles, practices and research in appropriate subject areas through attending conferences, inservice training, and workshops, participating in professional organizations, developing relationships with faculty and professional colleagues, and through professional periodicals.

III. Supervision

A. Accountable to and supervised by the Executive Director, with additional guidance from South Central NY Agriculture Team Leader.

B. Provide direction to program support staff and volunteers.

IV. Administrative and Program Relationships

A. Internal

Participate as a member of the association program team. Seek and implement program collaborations with other association extension educators as appropriate.

B. External

Participate on South Central NY Agriculture Team and New York State Maple Team. Collaborate with Finger Lakes Grape Program, regional dairy teams and the Arnot Conservation Education Program. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with: producers and target audiences; county, state, regional and federal agencies; Cornell-based faculty and staff; extension educators; community organizations; business and civic leaders.

V. Minimum Education and Experience

A Master’s Degree and two years of experience in agriculture or natural resources is required. Courses in agroforestry, rural land use, maple production or natural resources strongly preferred.

VI. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A. Substantive knowledge and expertise in at least two of the following subject areas: agronomy; animal science; plant science; agricultural economics; natural resources management, environmental management.

B. Familiarity with principles of non-formal education and participatory research.

C. Ability to communicate effectively using oral, visual and written channels.

C. Analytical and electronic technology skills commensurate with the duties of the position.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 03/16/2007, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#433, 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