Regional Dairy Processing Specialist - Department of Food Science

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Regional Dairy Processing Specialist (ESS III – Band G)

Department of Food Science

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Ithaca, NY

Who We Are:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and home to Cornell University’s second largest population of students, faculty and staff. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.  CALS is fundamentally invested in improving the lives of people, their environments and their communities both in New York state and around the world.

In keeping with Cornell’s Land Grant Mission to create and apply knowledge with a public purpose, the Department of Food Science strives to apply the principles of science and engineering to ensure the nutritional value, safety and quality of foods in the United States and around the globe. Our programs integrate the disciplines of chemistry, biology, nutrition, physiology, biotechnology and engineering to ensure that all people have access to healthy, affordable food. Our faculty, staff and students are making a difference in the lives of people throughout the world.

What you will do:

The dairy foods industry in New York is a critical sector of the economy. Specific opportunities in dairy foods manufacturing include (i) production of yoghurt and cultured products, (ii) artisan cheese production, as well as (iii) production dairy powders, which have considerable opportunities for export.

This position is full-time and will primarily work remotely but will be required to come to campus as needed and/or directed by supervisor.   This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on available work, funding and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• The Extension Support Specialist III will work as a member of a specialist team providing dairy processing industries with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess production and management practices that will enhance the profitability and sustain the growth of the existing dairy processing industries as well as support further economic development in dairy foods processing in New York State. 
• Regularly plan, implement and evaluate educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities and develop and enhance partnerships and collaboration with industry producers and growers.
• Work collaboratively with external stakeholders to provide support for dairy processors in New York State.

What We Need:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science or closely related discipline from an accredited institution and 5+ years of relevant work experience in dairy production and processing and the overall dairy food chain with particular emphasis in cheese making and production of fermented dairy foods (cheese, yoghurt) or the equivalent of education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings; working effectively with industry, economic development groups, advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners and other stakeholders
• Proven organizational and time-management skills
• Able to work in a fast paced environment and to quickly adjust to change and changing priorities.
• Ability to interpret and communicate applied research and demonstration projects
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development)
• Ability to meet the travel requirements of the job
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation or having and maintaining a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license and be approved to drive for Cornell business. 

If you possess these experiences and skills this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, to include:

• Masters or PhD in Food Science or closely related discipline
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the dairy industry in western New York
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension
• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support
• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle
• Creativity, energy, motivation and positive enthusiasm.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and generous retirement contributions.

• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25th through January 1st.

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program.

We invite you to follow this link to get more information: https://hr.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/documents/benefits_overview_cc.pdf

• Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

How to Apply: (non-academic and union positions)

You must submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  ​

When applying through our system, please attach your application materials (resume/CV and cover letter). You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. If you are an internal employee, please log in to Workday .

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations.

Pay Range:

$73,931.00 - $90,361.00

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.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information .

Employment Assistance:

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

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected] .

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2023-05-19