Dairy Specialist – Lowville, NY

This position will function as part of the Tri-County Regional Ag Team, providing technical assistance to farms and food businesses in Lewis, St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties, to include but not limited to dairy and livestock and other agricultural commodities. The position will serve as the Dairy Specialist and will work under the direction and supervision of the Association Executive Director. This position will provide program and administrative direction, management and coordination of the educational programs based on identified needs and opportunities with an emphasis on dairy. Will provide dairy producers, consultants and industry representatives with the knowledge and educational resources necessary for production and management practices that will enhance their profitability and sustain the growth of the dairy industry This position will deliver and develop Dairy programming and program activities, both on-site and off-site, in the community, in accordance with the Regional Ag Team’s plan of work. This position will also coordinate all administrative aspects of the Dairy Program to include all marketing efforts for Dairy programming.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on November 6, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an online application, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references .

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the “APPLY” button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/.

Please contact Michele Ledoux, Association Executive Director at 315-376-5270 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position – 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $60,405.80. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree.

Experience relevant to the role of the position.

Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Social Media).

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge and experience in the Dairy industry.

Proficient in Spanish.

Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the dairy industry in Northern New York.

Demonstrated ability to learn new software/data tracking programs relevant to research initiatives.

Demonstrated ability to work and relate to farm families and agribusiness on an individual, group and mass-media basis.

Willingness to learn new subject matter as it relates to programming.

Demonstrated ability to utilize program resources within the community.

Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal education programs through a variety of program delivery methods to reach the target audience.

Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Responsibilities:

Development – 5%

Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.

Apply subject matter knowledge to provide input in the development of educational strategies.

Support the research, identification, and selection of existing resources for the program.

Assist in the creation of innovative educational programs.

Assist in the development/creation of program materials to address the needs of the program and program participants.

Assist in ensuring that program development and program structure meet the diverse needs of program participants.

Maintain direct connection with Cornell University faculty and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate, for guidance in program development.

Delivery – 20%

Provide programs on the demonstration and adoption of principles and practices leading to economical and environmentally sound use of dairy management practices that maximize quality, profitability, and sustainability.

Apply subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programs.

Provide one-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners.

Occasionally teach the existing educational program as defined.

Teach innovative educational programs with discretion.

Provide Dairy educational programs via mass media.

Foster acceptance of programs, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.

Serve as subject matter resource in the area of Dairy to staff and participants, community organizations and the general public.

Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell University, and other Land Grant Universities as part of program delivery.

Be involved in multidisciplinary team efforts as appropriate to deliver programming.

Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.

Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies in program delivery.

Maintain connections with producers in Lewis County and disseminate research and information about program opportunities.

Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.

Evaluation – 5%

Implement program evaluation.

Assist with the design/creation program evaluation framework as needed.

Apply subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational programs.

Assist with analyzing collected program evaluation data and make recommendations for improvements.

Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to the constituencies.

Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of all Dairy Programs.

Document county-by-county outreach demographics and outcome results.

Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 25%

Interpret Association direction to plan educational programs.

Utilize subject matter knowledge to plan the delivery and structure of delivery for established educational programs.

Assist in the design of a system of ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.

Plan effective strategic external and internal program communication/marketing efforts.

Management – 30%

Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the Dairy Program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research-knowledge based.

Monitor income/expense to ensure spending is within budget constraint.

Effectively allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives.

Give guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.

Coordination/Operation – 10%

Organize and coordinate program activities related to Dairy Programming (i.e. workshops, seminars, tours, consultations, etc.)

Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the Dairy Program to include, but not limited to: preparing correspondence, maintaining files, etc.

Prepare quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

Coordinate and organize summary meetings for producers and agribusiness.

Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.

Utilize effective marketing strategies in the promotion of Dairy programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.

Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.

This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.

Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions.

Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.

Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions.

Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.

Be aware of, and adhere to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Lewis County policies and procedures.

Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Title:

Association Program Manager

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.