Position Description
Department of Animal Science
Senior Extension Associate
Dairy Climate Leadership Specialist
PRO-DAIRY Program
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Position Function
Statewide responsibilities in the area of climate leadership and greenhouse gas reduction strategies for the dairy industry, contributing to New York state’s overall goals for greenhouse gas reduction. Integration of the following principles as well as a strong sense of teamwork will be necessary: soil management and carbon sequestration, enteric methane reduction strategies, and manure management strategies with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing economically favorable solutions for dairy producers. Effort will be focused on interactions, communication, and training for dairy producers and industry advisors, scientists, governmental and regulatory agencies to improve sustainability by helping the dairy industry find economical ways to improve practices while protecting the environment.
This is a full-time position (1.0 FTE), 5-year renewable term appointment.
Anticipated Division of Time
Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation 40%
• Develop and lead an integrated dairy climate leadership program. With input from producers and other partners, provide leadership for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer and industry needs and opportunities. Emphasis is on the demonstration and adoption of principles and practices leading to economical and environmentally sound dairy production and greenhouse gas reduction.
• Spearhead efforts to coordinate and collaborate with various cross-campus faculty programs to develop and implement carbon reduction strategies, using the Cornell University Ruminant Center Dairy Farm as a testbed for technologies in addition to commercial farm collaborators.
• Provide producers and industry with information that can be used to support sound production practices that also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including identification of emerging best-management practices.
• Plan and implement educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet, and distance learning.
• One-on-one and small group consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem solving is desirable.
• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate.
• Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.
• Analyze and evaluate major program efforts and make recommendations for enhancing future programming.
Applied Research 30%
• Initiate, collaborate, or conduct field demonstrations and applied research projects focused on dairy-related greenhouse gas reduction strategies in New York State.
• Participate in statewide, collaborative research projects with university and extension faculty and staff as well as other agencies and organizations.
• Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of funding partners.
Interagency/Organizational Outreach and
Collaboration 10%
• Develop and maintain relationships to foster integrated approaches to environmental improvement across and with key partner agencies such as NYS Departments of Agriculture and Markets and Environmental Conservation, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and other agencies and organizations as necessary or appropriate.
Program Management 10%
• Responsible for routine operations, reporting and accountability.
• Support team efforts of communication with stakeholders and partners.
• Support team efforts in planning and implementing regional and statewide events.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Enhance and promote teamwork.
Organizational Leadership 5%
• Support Cornell CALS initiatives through participation in work groups, ad-hoc committees and advisory groups.
• Foster strong collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with the many individuals and groups that support the work of the organization.
Professional Development 5%
• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences and workshops appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.
• Participate in related regional, statewide, and national professional organizations.
Requirements
Required
• Advanced degree (M.S., J.D., Ph.D.) from an accredited institution with a major in agronomy, soil science, environmental science, animal science, engineering, or closely associated fields.
• 8+ years of relevant work experience in academia, agribusiness, or closely related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
• Highly motivated to generate, translate and communicate academic knowledge and convert it into practical, useful information for dairy producers and industry.
• Strong desire and ability to function in a team setting.
• 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 utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• 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 work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
If a Ph.D. or J.D. is held, then 6+ years of relevant work experience is required.
Supervision
Administrative direction and guidance and program development guidance and support provided by the Director of PRO-DAIRY.
To apply:
Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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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.