Position Description

Extension Associate – NY Soil Health
Section of Soil and Crop Sciences
School of Integrative Plant Science
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 

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.

Position Description:
We are seeking an Extension Associate to serve within the New York Soil Health (NYSH) Program at Cornell University in Ithaca NY. The NYSH Program works statewide to advance research and education on soil health management and assessment to empower farmers, increase resilience, and protect the environment. New York Soil Health collaborates with partners across the state and acts as a central hub for soil health information through the NY Soil Health Alliance. Our goals are to deliver research-based knowledge, training, and technical support in service of advancing soil health management across the diversity of agriculture in NY. The NYSH Program implements a multi-level strategy for knowledge delivery and education which includes a robust network of collaborators, in-person field days and workshops around the state (i.e. NYSH Field Days), webinars (virtual), visually appealing digital media (website, newsletters, and social media). The Extension Associate will assist in achieving success for all NYSH programmatic activities. A major responsibility of the position is to assist the Director by leading extension programs and giving soil health-related presentations around the state. Such activities will include training and technical support on soil health assessment, soil health concepts (biological, physical, and chemical processes, carbon sequestration, heavy metals, and soil health management with a particular emphasis in perennial fruit crops, but not exclusively. Assist in supporting the efforts of our partners including CCE, SWCD, NRCS, non-profit, and industry professionals to extend program information. Assist with other duties as appropriate to meet the mission and vision of NYSH.

Anticipated Division of Time:
Extension 50% - Conduct education and outreach activities as directed to meet program objectives. Take the lead on education and outreach of soil health in perennial fruit systems in NYS as directed by the Program’s Director.

Research 50% - Conduct applied research on soil health assessment and management with a particular focus on perennial fruit systems in NY as directed. Support research areas focused on assessment of soil organic carbon stocks, improving efficiency of soil health testing through implementation of MIR spectroscopy, and more.

Requirements:

•  M.S. in Soil Science or a related field is required plus 3 years of related experience.
  
  
• Preferred: Ph.D. in Soil Science or a closely related field, strong background and experience in soil health assessment, soil organic matter dynamics and carbon sequestration, laboratory and field methods in soil science, familiarity with MIR spectroscopy, advanced data analytics in R. Some experience with extension and outreach.
  
  
• Ability to travel independently to represent the program within NY State. Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted NYS Driver’s License and be cleared to drive for university business with the ability to be registered with Agile/Fleet Commander.

The candidate must have a strong background in soil science and a deep commitment to develop knowledge on soil health assessment, benchmarking, and management in perennial fruit systems. Experience in soil science research, agricultural extension, and knowledge of perennial fruit systems is desirable.

Supervision Exercised:
Incumbent will work at a high level of independence and will interact frequently with the Director and academic peers within and outside the university, and graduate and undergraduate students. Depending on project needs, incumbent may provide oversight of support staff to help with implementation of above activities that require a research background in soil science. No formal supervisory responsibilities.

To apply:
Please apply via Academic Jobs Online: (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31968">https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31968).[JO1] 

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website. 

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring rate for this position is $76,000.

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. 

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.