Position Description

Dairy Management Specialist
Extension Associate
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Central 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. CCE puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and research-based solutions together, helping New York state families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world. The Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program Team provides high quality educational programs that address the needs of dairy, livestock and field crop producers.

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 field 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 internet use.
• 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 Central New York 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 in 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, 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 Central New York.
• Proficient in Spanish.

This position is full-time and will be located in Central New York. 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: $71,000 to $74,000.
• Salary will be commensurate with experience.
• 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/24520).

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 August 27, 2023.

For more information, please contact Nicole Tommell at nt375@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program Team can be found at https://cnydfc.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.