Job Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension Ag Economic Development Specialist - Oriskany, NY in Oriskany, New York
This position is responsible for providing leadership in the assessment, development, planning, delivery, applied research, and evaluation of educational programs in the discipline of Ag Economic Development. The Ag Economic Development Specialist will promote and develop programs that will enhance the economic viability of agricultural enterprises in Oneida County. The focus of Extension efforts will be educational leadership and resources for agricultural production, management, marketing, business development, tourism, and public relations issues. The primary audience for programming will include agricultural producers and related service providers; new entrepreneurs in production, processing and agriculture related businesses including agricultural tourism; and community members whose support of agriculture is important. Projects will include a focus on enhancing the viability of local agriculture through product diversification, direct marketing, promotion of local product labels and value-added opportunities by linking with available expertise including other local and regional Extension staff and Cornell University faculty. This person will work with and coordinate a variety of agriculture and community stakeholders implementing Oneida County’s Ag and Farmland Protection Plan. The educator will represent the Association to the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University.
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Agriculture, Education, Economics, Marketing, Business Management or related field.
At least two years volunteer or work-related experience in agriculture or farming.
Ability to plan, manage and/or implement projects and educational programs.
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, and guidance to a variety of groups and individuals; and to lead and participate effectively in professional team efforts; work well with people and meet individual and /or community needs.
Ability to secure and administer grants and contracts.
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work as part of a team.
Demonstrated competencies in communicating and creating newsletters via electronic technologies along with traditional and social media communications.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, community, and professional leaders.
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:
Two years professional experience dealing with the public or private sectors of the agricultural industry and/or promoting and enhancing agricultural development within the context of more general county and region-wide economic development goals and vision.
Capacity to link industry and producer needs with available expertise and to apply expert information to local situations.
Experience with and knowledge of the challenges facing agriculture locally and in New York State.
Background and experience in use of online platforms for communication and program delivery (namely video and podcast).
Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Program Assessment – 20%
Apply subject matter knowledge in agricultural business development to identify program gaps and emerging needs in the community.
Develop program needs assessment tools and analyze program needs surrounding agricultural education for the community.
Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.
Ensure program assessment is within scope of the local and statewide Plans of Work.
Serve as direct linkage with Cornell University faculty within relevant agricultural areas and program units for program assessment guidance.
Program Development – 20%
Apply subject matter knowledge in agriculture and marketing strategies to develop educational programs to meet identified needs, goals, and objectives within the county.
Create innovative educational programs around developing successful agriculturally based businesses.
Research, identify and select existing resources to meet the needs of the program and partners.
Create program materials to address clients’ needs.
Interpret Association program direction to create educational programs.
Ensure program development is within scope of the local and statewide Plans of Work.
Structure programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants in local farming communities.
Alongside local and regional educators, develop well integrated educational efforts.
Serve as the direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units and regional Ag community for program development guidance.
Develop program to meet changing local issues within the local farming/agricultural region.
Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens within the local farming community, including an active advisory committee and/or community stakeholders, in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.
Program Delivery – 10%
Apply subject matter expertise of agricultural business development in the delivery of educational programming in a variety of methodologies including teaching program participants via workshops, on-on-one consultations at local farms, and mass media.
Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
Serve as a subject matter expert in agricultural marketing and business development and provide highly complex nonstandard responses to questions that are specific to individual farms/businesses.
Interact with farmers and business owners in a professional manner as part of program delivery, helping them meet their desired goals.
Implement Farmland Protection Plan as part of program delivery.
Represent CCE before the public and local farming community, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
May be actively involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to deliver program.
Serve as the direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program delivery guidance.
Evaluate and utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies for youth and adults in the local agricultural business community.
Ensure program delivery is within scope of the local and statewide Plan of Work.
Program Evaluation – 15%
Apply knowledge of agricultural marketing and business development to evaluate educational program.
Design and create program evaluation framework.
Implement program evaluation and analyze collected program evaluation data.
Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
May be involved in multidisciplinary team or multi-association efforts to design or analyze program evaluation.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.
Interpret evaluation data to invested members of the agricultural community and those who serve on advisory committees.
Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Interact with various farmers and business owners to obtain their evaluation of programs.
Ensure program evaluation is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Applied Research – 10%
Collect and/or evaluate field samples related to the agricultural business development and marketing program for applied research projects conducted in partnership with Cornell University faculty.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
Ensure applied research is within scope of the local and statewide Plan of Work.
Assist in conducting applied research in conjunction with Land Grant University faculty as outlined in CCE program definition and standard.
Assist in collaborating with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework.
Administrative Direction – 10%
Utilize subject matter knowledge to plan the delivery of short and long-term educational programs surrounding agricultural business development and marketing using a variety of methods and based on the Association Plan of Work and community needs identified in the Oneida County Ag and Farmland Protection Plan.
Plan to meet the objectives of the Farmland Protection Plan actionable items.
Initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals to secure additional funding.
Provide input to the Executive Director to the planning of the program budget.
Plan effective external and internal program communication/marketing efforts for the program.
Assist in developing and/or enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program.
Complete an annual Implementation Plan as well as Outreach Plan for the Executive Director to review.
Administrative Management – 5%
Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the operation of the unit, 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.
Assist in reviewing other funding or grant opportunities.
Provide guidance and support to volunteers as needed.
Monitor program operating income and expenses to ensure the spending is within budget constraints.
Administrative Coordination/Operation – 5%
Provide administrative support for program design and for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established educational program goals.
Compile existing resources in agricultural business development and marketing into educational program materials.
Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework.
Collect applied research data in support of Cornell affiliated research projects.
Collect program needs assessment data based on existing framework.
Actively participate in Farmland Protection Board meetings.
Assist in coordinating the program implementation, planning and activities efforts.
Complete required financial documentation to meet grant or budget requirements.
Prepare and submit grant or funding proposals to secure additional funding.
Complete and submit program needs assessment data for review by the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Submit monthly program reports to the Executive Director and enter program data into the CCE federal reporting system.
Professional Improvement – 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 and Association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
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 Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with 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.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Oneida County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.
Position Details
This is a full-time, benefits eligible, exempt position with an annual salary of $60,000. The Ag Economic Development Specialist will work on-site at the CCE Oneida office in Oriskany, NY.
Paid time off includes 21 Vacation days, 15 Sick days, 4 Personal days, 12 Holidays, and 2 Floating Holidays annually. Additional benefits based on eligibility, include:
NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ . For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
Please submit resume, cover letter and references. Consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.
Please contact the HR department, email cce-oneida-hr@cornell.edu
with questions.
https://cceoneida.com
Job Title:
Association Resource Educator
Level:
002
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Regina Lowder
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.
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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.