Small Fruit Specialist (Extension Associate); Cornell Cooperative Extension - Eastern New York / Capital District, New York

Small Fruit Specialist

Extension Associate

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Eastern New York / Capital District, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University’s second largest college. 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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program provides educational programs and information to growers and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably produce and market safe and healthful horticultural crops, contributing to the viability of farms and the economic wellbeing of New York State.

What You Will Do

As the Small Fruit Specialist, you will provide commercial small fruit growers/producers and industry representatives with the knowledge and resources necessary to maximize quality, profitability, and sustainability of the small fruit and vegetable industries in Eastern New York. Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet and distance learning. 
• Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and make recommendations for enhancing these efforts.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, and the Commercial Vegetable Industry.
• Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of the commercial fresh market small fruit industry.
• Preparing quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone who appreciates agriculture and wants to enhance the profitability and sustain the growth of the small fruit and vegetable industries in Eastern New York. We need someone who is self-motivated and has strong customer service skills with a focus on excellence. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s Degree in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Small Fruit, Grapes, Tree Fruit, Vegetable Crops, Horticulture, Plant Pathology, Entomology or closely associated fields.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Crop Production, Cooperative Extension, Adult Education, or closely related fields. 
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• 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.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development)
• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to acquire a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicators License within one year of start date.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

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, including:

• Coursework in Soil, Plant Physiology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, Integrated Pest Management, Agriculture Economics, Education, and/or Communication.
• Knowledge and/or experience in emerging temperate fruit crop production and marketing practices.
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to small fruit crops. 
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.

This position is full-time and will be located in Eastern New York / Capital District, New York. This position is considered hybrid with the opportunity to work remotely one or more days per week.

This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

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

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $65,000 to $74,000.
• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards .

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/27150 ).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2024.

For more information, please contact Peter Landre at [email protected] .  Additional information about the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Team can be found at https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/ .

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

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.

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

Pay Range:

$44,800.00 - $85,800.00

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 request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected] .

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, 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. 

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

2024-02-10