Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County

POSITION DESCRIPTION

1. WORKING TITLE: Extension Resource Educator

Agriculture Economic Development Specialist

2. OFFICE LOCATION: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County

308 Main St. Shop Centre

Waterloo, NY 13165

3. COUNTY: Seneca County

4. CLASSIFICATION: Resource Association Educator

5. POSITION: Full time

6. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES & SUBJECT MATTER

The primary audience for programming will include agricultural producers and related service providers; new entrepreneurs in production, processing, and agriculture related businesses including agricultural tourism; and community members whose support of agriculture is important. Projects will focus on enhancing the viability of local agriculture through product diversification, direct marketing, promotion of local product labels and value-added opportunities by linking with available expertise. Provide leadership for the development of promotion of county agricultural resources and movement towards the bio-tech and alternative energy potential.

Agricultural Economic Development (100%)

Program Development: 15%

· Assist farmers on agricultural marketing and business development issues.

· Work with county economic development staff to incorporate agricultural economic development into overall community and economic development strategies and manage the agricultural economic development programs for Seneca County.

· Network with various organizations including, but not limited to: Agriculture & Food Technology Park, Industrial Development Agency, Farm Bureau, Agriculture Enhancement Board, Chamber of Commerce, county departments and town boards, in order to expand resource, maximize effectiveness and promote teamwork.

· Partner with the economic development staff to develop strategies to strengthen and expand existing farm and agri-businesses, and attract industries complimentary to agriculture.

· Assist farmers in developing sound environmental businesses using Ag Environmental Management principles.

· Monitor proposed legislation and act as a resource for local agriculture.

· Will visit 10% of Seneca County farms per year, building relationships.

· Will work in conjunction with regional agriculture teams to bring in their expertise as needed to support the diverse Seneca County agriculture industry.

· Will be an active member of the Seneca County Ag Enhancement Board.

· Will work collaboratively with youth and nutrition programs within the association.

Program Delivery: 60%

· Provide educational and informational resources to those who represent the interests of the county agriculture industry to local and state government agencies; local and state legislatures; media and the public.

· Provide information and education on market opportunities and business practices to enhance farm viability and profitability.

· Educate legislative bodies and local officials such as assessors and planning boards regarding the challenges of the agricultural industry.

Program Management: 10%

· Under the direction of the Executive Director in Seneca County with input from County Planning, this position will assist in the promotion, marketing, funding and coordination of new and existing agricultural businesses including farms, processing and service related operations.

· Identify and administer government grants and other funding sources to promote economic development of the agricultural industry.

· Maintain a detailed database of farms, resource providers, and agri-businesses for analysis and grant writing purposes.

· Seek and secure funding for additional promotion, preservation, and economic development initiatives.

Program Evaluation: 5%

Professional Improvement: 10%

10. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Supervised by the Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County. Operates as an educational and managerial professional subject to association policies. Guidance and direction are provided both by the Board of Directors, and Extension Administration. Will work closely with Seneca County Planning.
• Provide for the supervision of paraprofessional staff.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Cornell faculty, administration, County Planning, and Farm Bureau.

7. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Masters degree in agricultural economics, marketing, business management or finance, public policy or related field. Two years professional experience dealing with the public or private sectors of the agricultural industry preferred. Must have working knowledge of farms and agriculture.

8. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to plan, manage and/or implement projects and educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to: provide leadership, supervision and guidance to a variety of groups and individuals including staff and volunteers; and to lead and participate effectively in professional team efforts; work well with people.
• Experience with and knowledge of the challenges facing agriculture locally and in New York State.
• Demonstrated ability to secure and administer grants and contracts, and agribusiness loans.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Must have regular access to transportation and valid driver's license in order to fulfill position responsibility.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 11/6/09 and until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA 500, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongy encouraged to apply. EEO/EPO

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Cornell Cooperative of Seneca County – (315) 539-9251

AEDSPD 7/1/09