This position will serve as the Small Farms and Livestock Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of St. Lawrence County and will provide program development assistance, implementation and administrative direction, management and coordination to the Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science Program. This position will plan, assist in the development of, coordinate and implement programming for a menu of Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science programs and program activities, including, but not limited to: livestock production, animal nutrition, reproduction and/or health and farm management. This position will also deliver an integrated educational program to operators/owners of small farms, specifically those with less than $250,000 gross income in the county/region. Will provide diverse commercial producers (including Amish and Mennonite), associated industry and beginning farmers with the knowledge and educational resources in livestock production and management as well as business planning to help meet their business goals. This position coordinates all activities within the Small Farms and Livestock Program including: program development assistance, implementation, and evaluation, reporting, and fiscal management. This position will assist in the development of, coordinate and evaluate educational resources and materials for appropriate programmatic use. Will work with Cornell University faculty in aspects of program and curriculum development assistance as appropriate. Conducts and oversees education programs in both individual and group settings using a variety of modalities including workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits and mass media. Coordinates and participates in the preparation of presentations, workshops and professional trainings for various community members and organizations. Assist in the development of and presents innovative educational programs on related topics and maintains positive working relationships with professional networks. Will utilize a variety of tools to analyze and evaluate program offerings and complete reporting and evaluation requirements for program accountability. Will make recommendations for programmatic change based on evaluation results. This position will provide supervision to Association Interns and Work Study Students assigned to program projects and activities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING:

All applicants must apply online by close of day on August 18, 2022 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, 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 Badra Rouhi, Finance and Personnel Manager at 315-379-9192 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time, non-exempt position (hourly) - 100% FTE. 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:

• Master's Degree or Equivalent Education (Bachelor's Degree and four (4) years of transferable relevant evidence-based research experience) in Animal Science, Farm Business Management or other appropriate field.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College level courses in livestock production, animal nutrition, reproduction, and/or health and farm management.
• Production agriculture experience and/or college level coursework related to livestock production, horticulture, agricultural engineering, farm management and accounting.
• Knowledge of principles, theory, research and application of Animal Science/Livestock Education.
• Demonstrated ability and experience in curriculum/program development.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully coordinate a multifaceted program that includes many partners.
• Demonstrated strong leadership skills, time management, and motivational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, initiate, organize, teach and evaluate informal education programs through a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means using traditional educational tools and methods.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize technology (i.e. computers, internet, social media) effectively.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development - 20%

• Assist Executive Director in the development of innovative Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science educational programming and strategies.
• Assist Executive Director in developing programs to meet multi-association needs and changing priorities when needed/appropriate.
• Assist Executive Director in the development of innovative research and evidence-based Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science programming to address identified issues and ensure content conforms to the policies and objectives of Cornell University and this Association.
• Assist Executive Director in the research, identification and selection of program resources as needed.
• Assist Executive Director in structuring Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science program to meet the diverse needs of the community and program participants.
• Assist Executive Director in the development of a staffing plan to provide management and care of livestock which relieves the Livestock Educator from direct labor responsibilities on the Farm.
• Assist Executive Director in the development of Extension/Cornell University faculty connections for guidance with program development.
• Assist Executive Director in making program changes as needed based on evaluation outcomes.
• Work in cooperation with team members to help develop programming for the Agriculture Program area.

Program Delivery - 35%

• Provide direct teaching and instruction in Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science Management, including, but not limited to the following topics: livestock production, animal nutrition, reproduction and/or health and farm management, utilizing established program resources and materials, and utilizing a variety of proven educational methodologies in program work.
• Implement and facilitate Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science Management educational programming for a menu of existing Agriculture programs in accordance with established program parameters, including, but not limited to: Animal facilities, quality assurance, animal comfort and welfare, health and animal production best practices to support marketing and profitability.
• Implement educational programs through workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits, mass media and agri-business contacts utilizing established resources and per established program parameters, and apply livestock/animal science subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver these educational programs as appropriate.
• Apply existing subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans necessary to deliver high-quality educational programming.
• Provide guidance, resources and educational programming on agriculture awareness issues targeting middle school age and older youth and adults, including Ag careers, promoting consumption of local foods and general awareness in St. Lawrence County and regionally, as appropriate.
• Provide guidance, resources and educational programming to the Association's agricultural demonstration projects in the areas of livestock production, management and marketing.
• Provide technical assistance to the BOCES Instructors where appropriate, provide guest lectures, and hands on experiences.
• Implement programming related to in-service education offerings and other continuing education events within area of expertise.
• Provide educational program efforts via mass media.
• Deliver educational programs as a part of multi-association efforts when identified/appropriate.
• Work to foster acceptance of the Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science program, methods and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
• Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.
• Serve as subject matter resource in the area of Small Farms and Livestock/Animal Science to staff and participants, community organizations and the general public.
• Occasionally teach and participate in non-agriculture, cross-programming efforts as appropriate.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County in a professional manner and communicate and cooperate with the public, agribusinesses, veterinarians, DHI Associations, Quality Management Production Service, feed dealers, agricultural Coordinator, government officials, community leaders, Cornell and/or other land grant universities as a part of program delivery.

Program Evaluation - 10%

• Implement program evaluation as designed.
• Assist in applying subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational program offerings.
• Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data and communicate evaluation results and findings as appropriate.
• Assist in the analysis of evaluation data and assist in making recommendations for improvement.
• Assist in the design/re-design or creation of the program evaluation framework.
• Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluations of programs.

Applied Research - 5%

• Be involved in applied research as identified/appropriate.
• Collect and process diagnostic lab samples.
• Assist in maintaining direct linkage to Cornell University faculty and program unites for guidance in applied research.
• Assist in ensuring that applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
• Assist in conducting research based on emerging issues and set program direction as a result of that research.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 10%

• Work in cooperation with team members to help establish priorities and objectives for the Agriculture Program area.
• Work as a team with the Program Manager and Ag Program Advisory Committee on overall program direction and priorities identified in County, Regional and State Program Plans.
• Assist in the interpretation of Association program direction to plan educational programs in the Small Farm and Livestock/Animal Science Program area.
• Assist in the planning of the delivery of established Small Farm and Livestock/Animal Science Program goals.
• Assist in making program recommendations for consideration to the Program Manager as a part of the budget development process.
• Assist in planning educational programs and program delivery initiatives in assigned programming areas.
• Assist in the planning and promotion major public events and programs including, but not limited to: Sheep Week, Beef Week, and Hay/Pasture School.
• Assist in the planning and promotion of mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
• Assist in making recommendations to the Program Manager related to the Small Farm and Livestock/Animal Science Program staffing plan as appropriate.
• Represent the Association to funding agencies and grant sources to negotiate and develop new sources of revenue and opportunities to meet program priority and clientele needs.
• In conjunction with the Program Manager, assist in the pursuit and development of sources of funding both internally and externally and assist in the management of financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.
• In conjunction with the Program Manager, assist in the development of implementation procedures to manage referrals, identify and communicate client educational needs that satisfy funding sources and achieve program goals.

Management - 10%

• Provide guidance and assist with problem solving when needed, in accordance with established practices and procedures.
• Identify and recommend Small Farm and Livestock/Animal Science program needs (facilities and supplies) to the Program Manager.
• Manage financial and human resources needed to deliver and sustain programs.
• Convey resources and capabilities of the Association in light of their priority issues and to stay abreast of and ascertain changes and needs relevant to the Association program.
• Provide management oversight and direct supervision to Association Interns and Work Study Students.
• Actively represent the Association on Statewide Program Work Teams to ensure connects that will enable increased capabilities to address local and regional efforts and priorities.
• Involve, utilize and guide volunteers serving on program advisory committees.
• Supervise a demonstration sheep flock utilizing research-based management practices, and collaborating with Cornell University campus faculty when appropriate research projects are available.
• Assist the Director and Farm Impact Team on rightsizing the sheep herd and diversifying the Ag enterprises on the Farm to meet educational needs.
• Collaborate closely with the Ag Studies Academy, to ensure the program is provided with a quality animal science program and learning experience.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Assist in organizing and coordinating all program activities related to Small Farm and Livestock/Animal Science Programming including, but not limited to: Sheep Week, Beef Week, and Hay/Pasture School.
• Effectively maintain professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• Effectively maintain professional competencies for self and program staff by staying current with professional journals and periodicals in the field, participating with Cornell University Updates and Research Briefs and maintaining a relationship with colleagues to ensure the most current and comprehensive education and training are provided.
• Work to coordinate research-based programming offerings that support the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County and meet the needs of the program participants.
• Assist in the coordination of effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
• Assist in the promotion of mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
• Serve as a conduit to the Regional Team and connect them with local producers.
• Compile existing resources into educational program materials.
• Provide administrative support for the promotion of major public events and programs, including, but not limited to: County Fair, State Fair, and Dairy Princess Festival.
• Collect evaluation data and program needs assessments from program participants based on existing evaluation framework and guidelines.
• Provide care for a demonstration sheep flock utilizing research-based management practices (this requires some manual labor).
• This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources.

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 St. Lawrence 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:

Level:

Pay Rate Type:

Company:

Contact Name:

Number of Openings:

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. 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.