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

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 Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team collaborates with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to provide service to farms, whether dairy, livestock, hay, corn, wheat or soybean focused.  

What You Will Do

As the Regional Dairy Specialist, you will provide commercial dairy producers, consultants, and industry representatives with the educational resources necessary to assess production and management practices that will enhance their profitability and sustain the dairy industry’s growth in Western New York. Additionally, you will focus on workforce development with farm employees and will conduct programs in Spanish as needed. Other responsibilities include:

• Leading and facilitating the extension of research findings and working with local stakeholders to test alternative dairy management practices at the farm level.
• 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 program development workgroups.
• 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 a variety of methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, workshops, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, and use of the internet. 
• Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

This position is full-time and will be located in Canandaigua, New York. This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

What We Need

We are looking for a dynamic individual that excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates the dairy industry in New York State and realizes the importance of building relationships with producers and processors. In this role, you will work with producers across several counties in Western New York and contribute to multiple teams while developing a unique and impactful extension and applied research program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Dairy Science, Dairy Management, Dairy Nutrition, or Education 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.
• Proficient in Spanish.
• 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 new 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 western New York.

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.

• Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, 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 25 through January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Part-time 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/18057).

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

For full consideration, applications must be submitted by April 15, 2021. However, the position will remain open until filled.

Two positions are available:

• Bath, New York: http://tiny.cc/Dairy_South_WDR_00025217
• Canandaigua, New York: http://tiny.cc/Dairy_North_WDR_00024789

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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.