Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County

Program Family Position Description

Working Title: Agronomy and Field Crops Educator

Classification Title: Resource Educator

Supervisor’s Classification Title: Agriculture Issue Leader

Primary Role and Accountability:

Provide planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation of a quality agronomy and field crop program within St. Lawrence County with occasional responsibilities across the Northern New York region while under the supervision of the agriculture issue leader. The agronomy and field crops educator will develop programming in their area of responsibility to represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, volunteers and agri-businesses while connecting Cornell faculty and working collaboratively with a team of extension professionals and other external resource people. Educator will provide recommendations, advice, and education in areas of expertise in agronomy and field crops.

Program Management and Coordination Accountabilities (5%)

a. Provide educational leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of high priority, long-term programs based on research related to agronomy and field crops. Keep up to date on research, current and future trends and local and state demographic information and apply this to the area of agronomy and field crops.

b. Counsel with agriculture issue leader, extension executive director, program committees, and other specialists on overall program design and priorities identified in County, Regional and State Program Plans.

c. Market programs to all types of audiences and promote the total mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension using mass media, information technology and other forums reaching a variety of groups and individuals.

d. Create an awareness of Cornell Cooperative Extension programs among civic organizations, public agencies and key leaders.

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery Accountabilities (80%)

a. Provide guidance, resources and educational programming to the agricultural community in the areas of agronomy and field crops.

b. Provide guidance, resources and educational programming to the Extension Learning Farm program at the Canton facility in the areas of agronomy and field crops.

c. Implement programming related to in-service education offerings and other continuing education events within area of expertise.

d. Conduct relevant research in the county to provide in county data for pertinent issues in regards to field crop and environmental management issues

e. Participate in interdisciplinary program development teams, committees and task forces.

f. In conjunction with the agriculture issue leader, pursue and develop sources of funding both internally and externally and manage financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.

g. Assume programmatic responsibilities as assigned by the regional agronomy chairperson for Northern New York in conjunction with guidance from the agriculture issue leader.

h. Conduct activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans.

Research and Program Evaluation Accountabilities (10%)

a. Annually provide an updated job description and performance expectations, related to county and state program plans. Working in conjunction with the agriculture issue leader, develop an individual development plan annually.

b. Prepare and submit timely, clear and concise reports that indicate program progress and impact including knowledge, skills and behavior change of learners, and maintain records to support these reports.

Professional Improvement (5%)

In conjunction with the agriculture issue leader, assess personal assets and needs to plan and participate in appropriate professional development, regional and program staff conferences and professional meetings as a means to provide current, up-to-date, quality programming that reflects industry changes and evolving priorities.

EEO/EPO Accountabilities

Employee will ensure program outreach to diverse audiences and appreciate diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteer and the public.

Contacts (level of interaction and outcomes)

Attend program committee, occasional board of director and outside stakeholder meetings to stay abreast and to ascertain changes and needs relevant to association program.
Actively participate in program committee and outside stakeholder meetings to convey resources and capabilities of the association in light of their priority issues.
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 to address complex issues.
Keep regional agronomy chairperson for Northern New York, extension councils, campus and off-campus faculty and key clientele groups involved with and informed of county plan of work priorities, program needs, design and accomplishments.
Develop coalitions and foster teamwork internally among colleagues and externally among individuals/organizations.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships and communication with Cornell University campus and off campus faculty who are responsible for providing program development support.
Establish cooperative working relationships with regional extension colleagues in order to effectively plan and implement interdisciplinary programs.
Assist in inter-agency networking and collaborative efforts to address local issues and concerns.
Develop essential linkages with community organizations and local governments in evaluating county needs and designing and implementing programs.
Establish and maintain working relationships with individuals, groups and organizations that can benefit from and contribute to the program.

Reporting Relationships and Type of Supervision Received/Given

Perform accountabilities under direct supervision of agriculture issue leader, deferring and seeking input in non-routine or complex subject matter situations as a developmental process. 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.

Degree and Experience Pre-requisites

This position requires an earned master’s degree in agronomy and/or soil science from an accredited institution. Successful candidates should have college level courses in crop and forage production, plant pathology, entomology, weed science and soils. Production agriculture experience and/or college level coursework related to livestock production, horticulture, agricultural engineering, farm management and accounting are desirable.

Competencies

Agronomy and field crops educator must possess: personal strengths, capabilities as an educator, capabilities in information technology, and expertise in their academic specialty.

Necessary:

Demonstrate knowledge, skills and expertise in the area(s) of specialization and the ability to apply research to programming.
Demonstrate expertise in program design, development, implementation and evaluation.
Demonstrate knowledge and use of the teaching/learning process, including the use of sound educational practices, principles of learning and learning styles, and large and small group facilitation.
Understand and demonstrate expertise in community-based learning concepts.
Demonstrate knowledge and expertise in programming to meet the needs of different racial/ethnic, socio-economic and other groups underserved by the organization.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrate effectiveness in the use and application of information technology, including knowledge and skills in Windows or Macintosh-based computer applications, word processing, spreadsheets, electronic presentations, e-mail, and the Internet. An understanding of the application of distance learning is desirable.
Ability to meet the travel demands of the position.
Willingness to accept a flexible work schedule, including weekends and evenings.
Demonstrate ability to work as a team member.
Must possess or be able to obtain a NYS Pesticide Applicator’s License and may be asked to become a Certified Whole Farm Planner and/or obtain a Certified Crop Advisor Certificate.
Ability to manage time and resources, and to work with minimum supervision in various settings.

Desirable:

Possess a background or skills in marketing and grant writing.
Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex issues.
Ability to identify and utilize a variety of program delivery methods that will reach both individuals and groups.
Four or more years of progressive experience in agronomy, field crops, or agribusiness related to agronomy and field crops.
Experience in Northeast dairy industry and farm background.
Professional experience in designing, conducting and evaluating educational programs, and applying knowledge in subject matter areas related to crop and forage production including but not limited to best management practices, pest management (i.e. insect, weeds and disease), soil management, IPM, pesticide certification, cover crops, and water quality is desired.
Ability to work with colleagues in a multidisciplinary, issue-based approach to program design and delivery to impact change in one or more of the following priority areas: enhancing economic viability, building strong individuals, families and communities, and

creating and sustaining a healthy environment.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 2/29/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#461, 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