Extension Associate – Small Ruminant Production and Management Specialist

Position Function

This individual will be an extension livestock educator with the PRO-LIVESTOCK program with primary focus on small ruminant production and management in the Department of Animal Science. The primary responsibility of this position is to deliver an integrated educational program on small ruminant production along with business analysis for sheep and goat producers, beginning farmers and other industry clientele. Provide diverse commercial producers, associated industry and beginning farmers with the knowledge and educational resources in small ruminant production and management as well as business planning to help meet their business goals. Collaboration in the development and delivery of educational programs will be required with other Cornell faculty, statewide specialists, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators.

This position if full-time and will be based in Ithaca, New York, with options for being housed elsewhere if appropriate.  Travel

and overnights will be required throughout New York State. (Approximately 20% of time)

Anticipated Division of Time

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (50%)

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that address diverse producer identified needs and opportunities with an emphasis on small ruminant production along with business planning for commercial producers and other industry clientele.  The program will include but is not limited to a diverse range of production systems such as confinement and pasture-based meat, dairy, fiber operations and vegetation management enterprises (e.g., solar grazing), market readiness, resources for beginning and commercial-scale farmers, and promotion of the FAMACHA Integrated Parasite Management program.
• Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices.
• Plan and implement educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences (i.e., pasture walks), 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.
• 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, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.

Applied Research (20%)

• Initiate and conduct appropriate applied research and field demonstrations with both regional and statewide implications in the production and economics of commercial small ruminant production as an educational outreach strategy.
• Participate in statewide, collaborative research projects with university and extension faculty and staff as well as other agencies and organizations.
• Define and implement reporting mechanisms for producer-focused “measurable” outcomes.
• Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of funding partners.

Management (15%)

• Responsible for routine operations, reporting, and accountability.
• Support team efforts to communicate effectively with stakeholders and partners.
• Support team efforts in planning and implementing regional and statewide events.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Enhance and promote teamwork.

Organizational Leadership (10%)

• Support Cornell University and Cooperative Extension system-wide initiatives through participation in program work teams, ad-hoc committees, and advisory groups.
• Be an active member of the team by attending meetings as requested and provide ideas and recommendations to further the goals of the department.
• Participate in regional, statewide and national workgroups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension and the Commercial Dairy, Field Crops and Livestock Industries, including the Cornell Small Farms Program and Statewide Livestock Program Work Team.
• Foster strong collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the many individuals and groups that support the work of the organization.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.
• Maintain and build upon required administrative and technical skills.
• Participate in related regional, statewide, and national professional organizations.

Required

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Animal Science or closely associated fields.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Livestock and/or Field Crops Production, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields. 
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, internet, and social media).
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, theory, and research in commercial livestock production and business management.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• 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.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation or having and maintaining a valid New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

Preferred

• Ph.D. in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Animal Science or closely associated fields.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of relevant small ruminant experience.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25385 )

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of extension goals, contact information for three references, and a statement of contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

Pay Range:

$46,500.00 - $85,500.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

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For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected] .

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

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2023-08-21