Viticulture Extension
Educator
Extension Associate
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
Hudson Valley Research Laboratory (Highland, 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
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Team serves a large multi-county area
in the Champlain Valley, Capital Region, and Hudson Valley of the state. The
team addresses the issues impacting the vegetable, tree, small, and grape
industries.
What You Will Do
As the Viticulture
Extension Educator, you will
plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address
producer-identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing grape production.
Other responsibilities include:
- Providing producers and industry
with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to
maximize profit opportunities.
- 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 grape 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 through group experiences, mass
media, newsletters, electronic technology, and distance learning.
- 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 contributions and challenges faced by the grape industry in
New York State in terms of wine grape production and marketing. In this role,
you will work with producers across several counties in Eastern New York and
contribute to multiple teams while developing impactful extension educational
and applied research programs. Additionally, we need someone who has the
following:
- Master’s degree in agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Viticulture, Enology, Horticulture, or closely associated field.
- 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Crop Production, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
- Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
- Must possess and continuously maintain a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicators License or obtain within one year from start date.
- 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; ability to work 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 external funding, including grants and industry support
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
- Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development).
- 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:
- Coursework
in Weed Science, Crop Production, GIS and digital agriculture, Economics of
Production, Pest Management, Plant Pathology, Soils, Enology and winemaking,
Adult Education, and Communications
- 3+ years
of relevant work experience in current and emerging issues and production
practices related to grape production.
- Experience
initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research on
general viticulture topics, including soil fertility, mechanization, and vine
size management.
- Knowledge
and/or experience in current and emerging grape and wine production and
marketing practices.
- Experience
writing and managing grants.
- Spanish
language proficiency.
This position is full-time and will be located in the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory (Highland, New York). Depending upon performance and
stakeholder needs, there is the opportunity to work remotely within New York
State on an infrequent basis.
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.
To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/24611).
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 April 30, 2023.
For more information, please contact Laura
McDermott at lgm4@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Eastern
New York Commercial Horticulture Team can be found at https://enych.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.
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* (posted 2023/03/28, listed until 2023/04/30)