Position Title: Farm Business Management Educator

Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County

Position Summary

This position interacts with the public through delivery of program and through individual clientele assistance in the assigned subject matter area. Assists supervisor in activities to foster Extension programs with community leaders and discover best practices and integration of new tools and material with relevant staff at Cornell University.  Provide advice and education in assigned subject-matter field as a representative of the County, and State Extension System.  

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.

This person provide commercial producers with the knowledge and resources necessary to assess production, management and marketing practices through business analysis and economic decision-making that will enhance profitability and sustain the industry in Rensselaer County. Primary emphasis will be in the field of dairy and field crops, but not preclude emerging opportunities in other disciplines of agriculture production.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Development and Implementation (50%)

Provide leadership for planning and analysis, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address stakeholder-identified needs and opportunities in areas of farm business management, including business planning, record keeping, economic decision making, enterprise analysis, labor management and tax planning. Cornell’s Dairy Farm Business Summary is an important implementation tool. Target audiences will include farm families, owners and managers, agri-service, and farm employees.

Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices, consumer market demands, etc.

Plan and implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet and distance learning.

One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem solving.

Program Management and Coordination (5%)

· Responsible for day-to-day program operations, fiscal and reporting accountability.

· Individually and collaboratively pursue new funding sources to enhance program opportunities.

Subject Matter Resource and Program Delivery (20%)

· Work as a member of the regional program team as well as with other regional, multi-county and statewide teams and work groups

· Collaborate with faculty, administration and other extension specialists to maximize impact.

· Program oversight and direction provided by program advisory groups representing CCE Program partners, producers and industry partners.

· Build collaborative relationships and maintain timely and effective communication with partner County Extension Associations.

· Build and maintain effective relationships with growers and producers.

· Develop and maintain effective communication and working relationships with appropriate agribusiness, industry partners, other educational institutions, governmental agencies and organizations

Research and Program Evaluation (10%)

· Define and develop reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes.

· Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for enhancing these efforts.

· Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate.

· Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

· Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of all funding partners.

· Initiate and conduct in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the specific needs of commercial dairy and field crops production in the Capital New York region.

· Support and participate in collaborative research projects with other Regional team members, university and extension faculty and staff, significantly in developing and reporting measurable, outcome based project goals.

Administrative Management (Finance, Budget) (10%)

· Responsible for day-to-day program operations, fiscal and reporting accountability

· Individually and collaboratively pursue new funding sources, apply for and write grants to enhance program opportunities

· Periodic and monthly program reports are required.

· Expected to function as a member of a diverse and integrated team.

· Ensure programs reach diverse audiences and appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff and the public.

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.

Qualifications

Masters Degree required. Subject matter major in agriculture and/or business is required with the appropriate combination from BS and MS degree. Two years of relevant experience in Cooperative Extension, Agribusiness, Adult Education, or a closely related field preferred. Coursework in areas of agriculture combined with adult education, farm business management, human resource management, economics of production, finance, marketing, computer science, and communications preferred.

Familiarity with record keeping and analytical software such as Quicken, QuickBooks, AgCheck, Cornell Dairy Farm Business Summary and FinPak preferred.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning on 11/13/2009, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#498, 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