Position Description

Farm Business Management Specialist
Extension Associate
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Cornell University
Central New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. The Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team was formed to provide high-quality educational programs and applied research efforts that address the needs of dairy, livestock, and field crop producers within this region.

What You Will Do

As the Farm Business Management Specialist, you will provide producers and industry with a framework for analyzing production and management alternatives and maximizing profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices. You will work with farms of all sizes to analyze management strategies to expand production and profitability. Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet, and distance learning. 
• Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of the economics of commercial production and livestock production.
• Preparing quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, and the Commercial Dairy, Field Crops and Livestock Industries.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts. 

What We Need

We are looking for an individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates the agricultural industry in New York State and understands the importance of farm business management. In this role, you will work with producers across several counties in Central 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 in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Animal Science, Agricultural Economics or closely associated fields.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Livestock, Dairy and/or Field Crops Production, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating and communicating the results of applied research.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, theory, and research in the economics of commercial production and business management.
• 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 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Social Media).
• 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 and be cleared to drive for university business.

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 Animal and Crop Sciences, Marketing, Labor Management, Adult Education, and Communications.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices of dairy, field crops, and livestock farm businesses.

This position is full-time and will be located in the Central New York region of New York State (Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, Saratoga, and Schoharie Counties). This position is considered hybrid, with the opportunity to work remotely within New York State one or more days per week.

This is a three-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, 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: $72,000.00 to $74,000.00.
• 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/28567).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications must be submitted by February 7, 2025.

For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu.  Additional information about the Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team can be found at https://cnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.