Dairy Management Specialist
Extension Associate
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
North Country, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell 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 identities to apply. 

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: natural and human systems; food, energy, and environmental resources; and social, physical, and economic well-being.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. The North Country Regional Ag Program provides science-based information and services to producers and agri-business professionals, equipping all with the knowledge to profitably produce and market safe and healthful dairy products and crops, contributing to the viability of New York State agriculture. In addition to dairy management practices, the specialist will also focus on workforce development issues with farm employees (i.e., employee and supervisor training, and regulations and compliance) in collaboration with Cornell Ag Workforce Development and support completing farm business management summaries with PRO Dairy staff. 

What You Will Do

As the Dairy Management Specialist, you will plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address producer-identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing dairy management for dairy producers. Other responsibilities include:

• Providing producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities.
• Collaborate with a diverse mix of farms throughout the region (i.e., conventional, organic, large/small, artisan, processing, etc.) to develop and implement effective education and applied research programs.
• Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national professional organizations.
• Initiating and conducting farm-based demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial dairy production.
• Individually and collaboratively exploring and pursuing new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching, group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, and use of the internet.
• Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who builds and maintains effective relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates the dairy industry in New York State. In this role, you will work with producers across several counties in the North Country and contribute to multiple teams while developing impactful extension educational and applied research programs. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Dairy Science, Dairy Management, Dairy Nutrition, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, 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).
• 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 and managing sponsored funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• 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.

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:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields. 
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the dairy industry in Northern New York.
• Proficient in Spanish.

This position is full-time and will be located in one of the North Country Counties (St. Lawrence, Franklin, Essex or Clinton County). 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: $67,000 to $74,000.
• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and more.
• Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25 - January 1.
• 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/summaries-benefits.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/22808).

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

Applications must be submitted by January 8, 2023.

For more information, please contact Kitty O’Neil at kao32@cornell.edu. Additional information about the North Country Regional Agriculture Team can be found at https://ncrat.cce.cornell.edu.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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.