Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie County

Position Description

 

 

Working Title:                                    Agriculture Program Leader     

 

Classification Title:                            Senior Extension Resource Educator

 

Supervisor's Classification Title:      Extension Executive Director    

 

Schoharie County

Schoharie County’s agricultural community is undergoing change and parallels regional and state trends.  Dairy production continues as important enterprises for many, but the dairy industry has experienced consolidation.  Other important commodities include hay, cattle & calves, and vegetables.  The character of the county is rural, but the county’s proximity to the capital district provides opportunities for diverse agricultural development.  The county has two farmers’ markets.

 

Primary Role and Accountability

Schoharie County’s significant agricultural economy is enhanced by research-based educational programming.  Therefore, this Association requires an Agriculture Program Leader who:

·        is responsible for planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating an Agricultural Program that includes traditional and alternative agriculture, consumer horticulture, volunteer development, and Master Gardening, 

·        serves as a member of the Association’s management team,

·        represents the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University,

·        provides educational programming in assigned subject-matter fields,

·        supervises Agriculture Program staff (Horticulture Educator) and Master Gardener volunteers

·        is responsible for all aspects of equal program and employment opportunities for the Agriculture Program.

 

Program Development and Priority Setting Accountabilities (15%)

·        In consultation with program participants, county residents, agencies, community organizations, the Board of Directors, Executive Director and campus faculty and staff, determine community needs and program priorities to effectively apply the resources of the Association to such needs and priorities.

·        Based on the needs of the agricultural community, design and implement an Agricultural Program through an approved Plan of Work.

·        Develop program collaborations with agencies, organizations and other community groups to leverage available resources in the achievement of program priorities and implementation of the Plan of Work.

·        Be involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to address program priorities.

 

Program Management and Coordination Accountabilities (15%)

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, hire, train and supervise Agriculture Program staff, such as the Horticulture Educator; implement the Association’s performance management and other evaluation policies and procedures.

·        Train support staff to identify general, routine Agriculture Program inquiries, such as from email, telephone, letter and walk-in customers, and to provide appropriate materials in response to such inquiries.

·        Coordinate Agriculture Program initiatives, projects, and activities with other Association program leaders to design and implement effective, efficient strategies to achieve Association priorities, including collaboration on joint projects.

·        Coordinate Agriculture Program initiatives, projects and activities with regional specialist teams, such as the Capital Region Vegetable Program and the Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Fields Crops Team.

·        In accordance with the Association’s Volunteer Policy and CCE’s Volunteer Implementation Procedures, develop and enhance networks of volunteers to extend the impact and effectiveness of the Agriculture Program.

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, oversee the development and management of Agriculture Program resources, including program funding through grant writing, fees, fundraising, and contributions.

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, market the Agriculture Program and its initiatives, projects, and programs.

·        Effectively manage organizational policy compliance within the program area.

 

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery Accountabilities (50%)

·        Provide specialized, educational programming to targeted audiences on identified agricultural subject matters within program priorities, as determined periodically in consultation with the Executive Director.

·        As needed, consult with association staff, Cornell University faculty, and other experts to obtain specialized knowledge, expertise, and assistance in developing, implementing and delivering programs and materials.  Facilitate the delivery of agricultural programming through other individuals, agencies, and organizations regarding agricultural subject matters outside of the specialties of Association educators.

·        With the approval of the Executive Director, participate in CCE regional and system-wide agricultural initiatives.

·        Serve as a subject-matter resource to Association staff and clientele, including individuals, businesses, schools, agencies and other groups.

·        Use a variety of educational methods to deliver programming, including, but not limited to, workshops, seminars, conferences, farm demonstrations, farm/field visits, individual consultations, web pages, newsletters, and brochures.

 

Research and Program Evaluation Accountabilities (10%)

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, and whenever possible, Cornell faculty, staff, and regional specialists, participate in appropriate applied research on agricultural topics useful to county producers and residents.

·        Regularly perform program evaluation and program impact studies in a manner approved by the Executive Director, and report the findings of such studies to the Executive Director and Board Program Committee.

 

Administrative Management Accountabilities (Finance, Budget) (5%)

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, annually develop a prudent and responsible Agriculture Program budget, and operate the Agriculture Program within such budget.

·        Under the direction of the Executive Director, contribute to the management of the Association as a member of the Association’s Management Team.

·        Comply with CCE and Association requirements and policies pertaining to, for example, planning, reporting, operations, personnel, volunteers, etc.

 

Professional Improvement (5%)

·        In consultation with the Executive Director, develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies appropriate to the position of Agriculture Program Leader, and to address changes in programming and Association priorities.

·        With approval by the Executive Director, attend CCE regional and system-wide agricultural in-service trainings.

 

EEO/EPO Accountabilities

·        Ensure programs reach out to diverse audiences.

·        Ensure all employment 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)

·        Participate in Program Committee and outside stakeholder meetings, including, for example, the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, Agricultural Marketing Committee, Soil and Water Conservation District Board, Central New York Resource, Conservation and Development Council, Schoharie County Farm Bureau, County Animal Response Team, Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee, to (1) stay abreast of current issues and needs impacting the Association’s Agriculture Program, and (2) convey the Association’s resources and capabilities relevant to their priority issues.

·        Actively represent the Association on statewide Program Work Teams and other campus teams and committees 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.

 

Reporting Relationships and Type of Supervision Received/Given

·        Performs under the direct supervision of the Executive Director.  As a subject matter expert, independently identifies clientele and selects appropriate subject matter and programming methods relative to analyzed needs, alerting the Executive Director to issues and concerns as well as actual or potential areas of risk or conflict.

·        Under the supervision of the Executive Director, responsible for hiring, managing, coaching, goal setting, performance management, and providing subject matter, and administrative support to Agriculture Program educators.

 

Degree and Experience Pre-requisites

·        A Masters Degree in an appropriate discipline, such as Animal Science, Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Education, etc., with at least one degree in agriculture, or a Masters Degree with significant professional experience in agriculture.  Course work in Farm Management, Field Crops, Animal Science, Soils, Pathology, Entomology, and Education is highly desired.  Specialized knowledge in small scale or niche agriculture, such as goats, sheep, swine, poultry, or equine highly desired.

·        Two years as a Cooperative Extension Educator or equivalent professional experience in teaching or an agricultural industry is highly preferred.

 

Desired Competencies

  • Demonstrated experience in program development, planning and implementation
  • Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects
  • Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support
  • Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners
  • Confidence to gain support of cooperators and collaborators in research projects and programs
  • Proven planning, organization and time-management skills
  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills
  • Effective written, verbal,  and electronic communication skills
  • Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development)
  • Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle
  • Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.
  • Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position
  • Ability to obtain a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicators License
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require

 

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning on May 30, 2008, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

 

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#469, 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.  EOE.

 

 FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.cce.cornell.edu