Job Title:        Farm Business Program Educator

Location:        CCE Onondaga County, Syracuse, NY

 

Position Summary:

The person in this position is required to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate programs in the area of agriculture and farm business management. He or she is responsible for assessing community needs for educational outreach and is responsible for reporting and data collection of program activities and reports to his/her direct supervisor. Expected to assist supervisor in securing funds to support this program and position through collaborations, partnerships, grant applications.  The individual is expected to represent Cornell Cooperative Extension in all interactions with targeted audiences, community collaborators and with the general public.

 

Job Responsibilities/Essential Functions

 

Issue Area Leadership Program Development and Priority Setting (5%)

Assess community needs, industry trends and policy shifts for agriculture and food system educational programs in Onondaga County including: agriculture; farm business management for new and existing farm businesses; keep abreast of policy shifts in the areas of environmental regulations for whole farm nutrient management planning, production agriculture, labor, marketing of farm and value-added agricultural products, and business systems.  Assess with supervisor the capacity for CCE to meet the educational needs of intended audience.  Work with supervisor to set plans of work for future programming in agriculture and food systems in the county.

 

Program Management and Coordination (10%)

 

Identify local sites for farm business management programs and recruit and train volunteers.  Collaborate with existing neighborhood groups and task forces.  Report to supervisor and Team Leader on quarterly basis the accomplishments and barriers to implementing job.

 

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery (65%)

 

  • Delivery of daily lesson plans and written materials for agriculture audiences
  • Assist with recruitment, registration, training, scheduling and supervising adults who volunteer within the agriculture program
  • Assist with marketing agriculture programs
  • Maintain accurate records of program participants using appropriate forms and computer databases
  • Answer consumer calls concerning farm business management.
  • Assist team coordinator in the development of the association web page.
  • Review association, Cornell and other land-grant educational materials and provide input as team member to adapt to local needs.

 

Research and Program Evaluation (10%)

 

Review association and Cornell University educational materials to adapt to local needs.  With support from Team Coordinator, using existing tools to evaluate program activities and implement program improvement recommendations.  Set realistic goals for the program.  Connect with Cornell faculty to provide subject matter resources as needed to support local priorities and regional interests.  Keep abreast of latest research in the agriculture/ food system field.

 

Administrative Management (Finance, Budget) (5%)

Provide information and assist with the development of the budget with supervisor for program grants and contracts. Comply with standard operating procedures and policies as developed by the Association. Obtain grants and contracts from agency partners for support of program activities with support from supervisor.

 

Professional Improvement and other duties as assigned (5%)

In cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address change in programming and association priorities.

 

EEO/EPO

 

Provide equal program opportunities to all county residents following policies and procedures outlined by Association. Is cooperative, positive, courteous, tactful, receptive, helpful and business-like in all interactions. Knowledgeable about and adheres to USDA policies related to Civil Rights and appreciates and embraces diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public. Dialogues frequently with internal customers (supervisor, colleagues, community, etc.) in order to ensure customers are satisfied.

 

Qualifications

A Master's degree in agriculture or related field is required.Minimum of two years experience working in a related field strongly preferred.   Required skills and abilities include good oral and written communication, networking, and team collaboration skills. Proficient in use of technology, the Internet, and personal computer software also needed.  Ability to adapt teaching methods to needs of target audiences. Experience working with volunteers and recognizing their efforts.  Ability to meet the travel demands of the position.  The person in this position is expected to provide his or her own means of travel with reimbursement for mileage and travel according to CCE Onondaga County policies.   Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions required.

 

Experience working with diverse groups and multi-disciplinary settings is desirable. Knowledge of agricultural economics is highly preferred.  Also, experience working with print and broadcast media. 

 

 

Application

Submit letter of interest, resume, and 3 references by 5/14/08 or until acceptable pool is identified to: Agricultural Farm Business Management Educator Position CCE 220 Herald Place 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202. Or email to jps294@cornell.edu.