School of Integrative Plant Science
Horticulture Section
Urban Grassland Program
Senior Extension Associate
Senior Extension Associate - Urban Grassland Integrated Nutrient and Pest
Management
Name and Title of Immediate
Supervisor: Dr. Frank S. Rossi, Associate
Professor of Horticulture
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
The College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences 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.
The School of Integrative Plant
Science (SIPS) is the largest academic unit in Cornell’s College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences, providing a unifying framework for five sections with
interrelated activities: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding &
Genetics, Plant Pathology & Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil & Crop Sciences.
The sections are associated with distinct disciplines and graduate fields, but
are increasingly connected by urgent local and global challenges and the
revolutionary scientific tools now available.
The position of Urban Grassland Integrated
Nutrient and Pest Management is needed to facilitate and lead statewide Data-Driven
Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management demonstration, implementation, and
research activities in Urban Grasslands (Lawns, Golf Courses, School Grounds,
Sports Fields, Green Roofs, etc.) within the School of Integrative Plant
Science Horticulture Section, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the College of
Agriculture and Life Sciences. This position addresses the needs associated
with multi-county, and statewide Sustainable Landscapes program planning. It
also addresses the need for impact documentation, evaluation of nutrient and
pest management practices, the need to conduct applied research, and the need
to develop educational programs and materials. This position requires multidisciplinary
knowledge and activity including, but not limited to the disciplines of,
entomology, plant pathology, weed science, and agronomy, with particular
emphasis on data-driven management that reduces the impact of these practices
on environmental quality.
Initial two-year term with probable
extension for additional three years contingent upon secured funding and
successful performance.
Program Development (40%)
Provide leadership for
planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address urban
grassland manager-identified needs and opportunities. Emphasis is on the demonstration and adoption
of reduced-risk and pollution-prevention principles and practices.
Consult
with Urban Grassland Program Team, BMP Foundation, CCE extension educators,
private consultants, IPM extension educators, statewide and regional regulators
(DEC, Ag and Markets, LINAP, etc.) NGOs and trade associations to:
• assess and address industry needs
with data-driven methods to best reduce environmental, health and economic
risks associated with nutrient and pest management in urban grasslands, and
• establish metrics to measure baseline conditions and measure progress
towards risk-reduction goals,
Lead a
cohesive and coordinated effort to promote adoption of Reduced-Risk and
Pollution Prevention-based Urban Grassland Integrated Nutrient and Pest
Management practices.
Develop
electronic and data-driven decision-support of Urban Grassland Integrated Nutrient
and Pest Management such as web-based resources, support of BMP for Golf and
BMP for Urban Landscapes, as well as videos, podcasts and blog posts.
Monitor
program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives
of Cornell University.
The Urban
Grassland Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management Specialist will also work
cooperatively with water quality, pollinator and other environmental
stewardship efforts that support program mission.
Lead and
cooperate on grant and funding proposals with local, state, regional, and
federal agencies; industry and environmental organizations, and Cornell and
SUNY faculty and extension personnel. Projects should address Urban Grassland Integrated
Nutrient and Pest Management applied research, implementation and education
needs; generate program support, and enhance and extend program opportunities.
Applied Research (20%)
Conduct applied,
integrated research programs designed to develop data-driven nutrient and pest
management decision support tools, in cooperation with appropriate faculty and
extension field staff, and/or independently.
Program
Implementation (25%)
Facilitate
adoption of Best Management Practices for water quality protection and the
elements of progressive IPM programs
Plan and
execute Integrated
Nutrient and Pest Management demonstrations.
Provide
technical guidance and educational support for extension off-campus staff,
especially with those interested in nutrient management and IPM.
Provide
training on BMPs and IPM.
When
necessary, supervise personnel conducting various research and extension
activities.
Lead and
coordinate BMP and IPM Extension activities.
Foster strong collaboration among faculty, educators,
industry and regulatory agencies.
Establish and maintain
positive relationships with individuals and groups that support BMPs and IPM.
Program Evaluation (10%)
Evaluate, document and report the impact of Integrated Nutrient and
Pest Management projects, programs and practices.
Identify and report BMP and IPM knowledge gaps and information
transfer problems.
Share
results in quarterly and annual reports to the Urban Grassland Program and
federal and state agencies, as appropriate.
Present
results of BMP and IPM implementation and research projects at appropriate
county, state, and national meetings.
Professional Development (5%)
Participate in professional development opportunities,
conferences and workshops appropriate to program and personal skill
enhancement.
Attend in-service education and other professional
development opportunities as needed in relation to program responsibilities.
Stay
informed of advances in urban grassland integrated nutrient and pest
management.
File professional improvement plan and constructively
evaluate self-performance for improvement and subject matter excellence.
Participate in related regional, statewide, and national professional
organizations as appropriate.
Required Qualifications
M.S. or Ph.D. required in agronomy, plant
pathology, weed science, entomology, ecology, or a closely related field.
Must have a background in integrated nutrient
and pest management in grasslands, turf, sod, green roofs, or golf courses,
with a focus on applied research and extension/outreach.
Experience in conducting,
interpreting, evaluating and communicating the results of applied research.
Must be able to meet the travel
requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation and/or having and maintaining a valid and unrestricted NYS driver’s license.
Must be willing to obtain a NYS Pesticide Applicator’s
License within 3-years of employment.
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 effectively with diverse audiences in group and
one-on-one settings; and with advisory boards, committees, and 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 utilizing
current technology as a management and program delivery tool (e.g. Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development)
Creativity, energy, motivation and
enthusiasm.
Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. preferred in agronomy, ecology,
entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, turf science, weed science, or a
closely related field.
Coursework in nutrient and pest
management that compliments the graduate degree focus, such as nutrient
management, weed science, plant pathology, plant nutrition, soils, adult
education, and communications.
Supervision Received
Direct supervision is received from
the Associate Professor of Horticulture. Advised on the content and direction
of the program by the Urban Grassland Program. Additional input will be given
by the faculty and Extension staff with sustainable landscape interests, IPM
practitioners, professionals, and organizations.
Complexity and Scope
Apply reasoning, analytical thought,
creativity, and innovation to Integrated Nutrient and Pest Management in urban
grasslands research, implementation and funding on a daily basis. Assess the
needs of the urban grassland industry as well as citizens of NY and other
stakeholders. Lead the statewide efforts in Best Management Practices to raise
awareness of the importance of protecting watersheds, land and people. Design
and execute innovative research and implementation plans to address the needs
of these groups.
Accountability
Responsible for decisions made to
carry out the specific job functions described Decisions that will change the
current direction of the nutrient and pest management program, or are deemed to
have a high impact on urban grassland constituency groups, will be made in
consultation with the urban grassland team. The employee will be accountable
directly to the Associate Professor of Horticulture for all decisions s/he
makes independently.
Contacts
Act as a liaison with University
faculty working with urban grassland nutrient and pest management. Conduct
research independently and in collaboration with faculty. Work closely with
faculty and extension educators in assessing needs and developing educational
resources and programs. Urban grassland industry professionals; consultants;
and local, state, and federal partners will provide input on programs and act
as cooperators.
Information Management
Responsible for reporting on program efforts and must be able
to:
• compose reports,
• analyze research data using
appropriate software and statistical packages,
• effectively present information
for reports and public presentations and, when appropriate, publish in
peer-reviewed journals
Able to learn new technology skills
that will aid in the composition and presentation.
Work environment
Physical effort:
Ability to perform light-duty field work and operate, or direct the operation
of, field equipment, including nutrient and pest management devices.
Mental and visual concentration will be required.
Potential hazards: May have to apply pesticides
or work in pesticide-treated areas.
Application: Candidates should submit a cover letter emphasizing your philosophy on extension and vision for this position, curriculum vitae, three reference contacts and a Statement of
diversity, equity, and inclusion via the
website https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/14620. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.
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. | 
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