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.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $68,000 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/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.