The educator must demonstrate a strong commitment to
extension in support of the field crops industry both for use as cash crops and
as integrated with the dairy industry and a willingness to collaborate with
other staff in a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach. Applicants should
have interest and expertise in conducting industry-based research in
cooperation with commercial growers.
Collaboration in development
and delivery of educational programs with other members of the Rensselaer
Cornell Cooperative Extension team, colleagues in regional and statewide
programs, and Cornell faculty related to field crop production and integrated
pest management is required.
Responsibilities/Essential
Function
Program Development
(20%)
- Identify
program needs through agriculture program team, program committee,
advisory committees, program participants, and Cornell faculty.
- Plan
the delivery of established short- and long-range educational programs
within assigned subject-matter area(s), based upon the association,
extension and Cornell’s plan-of-work.
- Carry
out ongoing needs assessment with local staff, clientele, and faculty.
- Identify
and structure research based programs that address community and
individual needs and that consider the diversity of the community.
- Draw
upon Cornell program resources, research and recommendations and
coordinate activities with direct supervisor in order to address clientele
needs and to select and develop program materials.
- Interpret
Cornell and association program direction, deliver program to clientele,
and foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies, including
multidisciplinary and multi-association programming efforts.
- Involve,
utilize, inform, and advise volunteers serving on program advisory
committees.
- May be
involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to
address priority issues.
- Develop
educational strategies to meet program needs, including farm visits,
telephone, mass media, group meetings, and other communication methods.
- Act as
a subject-matter resource to the program committee, staff team, and
clientele, including agencies, schools, and other groups as they are
identified.
- Collaborate
with Cornell Faculty and other Extension Educators on applied research in
support of agricultural production.
- Write
& apply for applicable grants in subject matter
Program
Implementation (50%)
- Develop,
implement, and evaluate educational programs with emphasis on soils and
crops for producers and other industry clientele.
- Design
and conduct educational programs utilizing a variety of delivery methods.
- Develop and enhance networks of
volunteers to extend program implementation efforts.
- Schedule
farm visits on an ongoing basis with the purpose of assisting producers
with identifying problems and working towards solutions.
- Represent
CCE with Farmers Markets as required.
Program subject matter will include:
- Major
emphasis on the production forage crops.
Secondary emphasis on pasture management, small grains, and
oilseed.
- Soil
management including nutrient management, tillage, crop rotation, soil
testing, and conservation methods.
- Insect,
disease and weed control.
- Harvesting,
handling, and storage of crops.
- Water
quality and other environmental issues as related to agronomy and soil
sciences.
- Provide
general Agricultural guidance to clientele in the areas of Farmers’
Markets, farm planning, marketing, beginning farming, environmental
considerations, CAFO compliance, niche farming, etc.
Program Management
(5%)
- Assist
supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as
assigned.
- Provide
input to supervisor and program committee in preparing and submitting
proposals to secure additional funding.
- Recruit
volunteer staff and provide assistance in developing their leadership
skill.
Program Evaluation
(15%)
- Interact
with program participants, program committee, Cornell program specialists
and faculty, and county and community leaders to obtain their evaluation
of programs.
- Analyze
and evaluate programs and make recommendations to the supervisor for
strengthening and improving programs.
- Interpret
evaluation date to the public within the marketing plan parameters.
Professional
Development (10%)
- Participate
in required orientation programs.
- Attend
relevant in-service education programs as appropriate to program area(s).
- Jointly
develop and pursue a professional improvement plan, in cooperation with
the supervisor, to increase competency in position responsibilities.
- Participate
in Association staff meetings, Association events, and community
coalitions as appropriate and as planned with supervisor.
- Participate
in applicable the statewide program team(s) and interact with campus
faculty.
Reporting
Relationships
- Report
to and receive close supervision and guidance from the Ag/Hort Issue Leader
- Program
direction is established through coordination with the agricultural staff
team, agricultural program committee, association board of directors, and
Cornell Faculty.
- May
coordinate or supervise the work of staff (e.g., program assistants,
program educators, volunteers, and clerical staff).
- Monthly
and periodic written program reports are required
EEO/EPO
- Ensure
programs reach diverse audiences.
- Embrace
and appreciate diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff,
volunteers, and the public.
- Follow
CCE policies regarding equality in employment and opportunity.
Qualifications
- Masters
degree in agriculture, agronomy, or related field. Coursework in
education and research methodology highly preferred.
- Two
years of relevant work experience and working knowledge of the agriculture,
agribusiness, or field crop production preferred.
- Certified
Crop Advisor and a NY Certified Pesticide Applicator License preferred.
APPLICATIONS
will be reviewed beginning on 9/14/09, or until an acceptable pool of
applicants has been identified.
Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to
PA#496, 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