Job Title:                    Nursery Specialist

Classification Title:    Resource Educator

Location:                    Suffolk County, Riverhead, NY

 

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.

 

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

 

Issue Area Leadership Program Development and Priority Setting (10%)

Identify ornamental horticulture educational program needs with program advisory committees, program participants, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and Cornell faculty.

 

Program Management and Coordination (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 (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 (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 (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 and other duties as assigned (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.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

Qualifications:

Masters Degree required in Ornamental Horticulture or related sciences with emphasis in plant physiology, plant pathology, entomology or nutrient management. Relevant experience required.  Two or more years experience in Cooperative Extension or similar educational fields preferred. 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.

 

Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to handle multiple priorities. Ability to work independently; and prioritize tasks with a minimum of supervision. 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.

 

 

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 4/28/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

 

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#465, 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