Job Title:        Agronomy Educator

Location:        Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rensselaer County, Troy, NY

General Responsibilities:

This position is primarily responsible for providing leadership in developing, implementing, evaluating, and planning, motivation and fairly complex educational programs and applied research in agriculture, soils and crop production for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County and partner Associations in multicounty agreements. Programs should involve the integration of field crop management, including crop production, protection, harvesting, and storage with a focus on enhancing the overall profitability and sustainability of the field crops industry.

The educator must demonstrate a strong commitment to extension in support of the field crops industry both for use as cash crops and as integrated with the dairy industry and collaboration with other staff in a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach. Applicants should have interest and expertise in conducting industry-based research in cooperation with commercial growers.

This position interacts with the public through delivery of program and through individual clientele assistance in the assigned subject matter area. Assists supervisor in activities to foster the agriculture, soils and crops program with community leaders and discover best practices and integration of new tools and material with relevant staff at Cornell University.  Provide advice and education in assigned subject-matter field as a representative of the County, and State Extension System.  

Collaboration in development and delivery of educational programs with other members of the Rensselaer Cornell Cooperative Extension team, colleagues in regional and statewide programs, and Cornell faculty related to field crop production and integrated pest management is required.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Development (40%)

• Identify program needs through agriculture program team, program committee, advisory committees, program participants, and Cornell faculty.
• Plan the delivery of established short- and long-range educational programs within assigned subject-matter area(s), based upon the association, extension and Cornell’s plan-of-work.
• Carry out ongoing needs assessment with local staff, clientele, and faculty.
• Identify and structure research based programs that address community and individual needs and that consider the diversity of the community.
• Draw upon Cornell program resources, research and recommendations and coordinate activities with direct supervisor in order to address clientele needs and to select and develop program materials.
• Interpret Cornell and association program direction, deliver program to clientele, and foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies, including multidisciplinary and multi-association programming efforts.
• Involve, utilize, inform, and advise volunteers serving on program advisory committees.
• Develop multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to address priority issues.

• Develop educational strategies to meet program needs, including farm visits, telephone, mass media, group meetings, and other communication methods.
• Act as a subject-matter resource to the program committee, staff team, and clientele, including agencies, schools, and other groups as they are identified. 
• Collaborate with Cornell Faculty and other Extension Educators on applied research in support of agricultural production.
• Write & apply for applicable grants in subject matter

Program Implementation (30%)

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs with emphasis on soils and crops for producers and other industry clientele.
• Design and conduct educational programs utilizing a variety of delivery methods.
•  Develop and enhance networks of volunteers to extend program implementation efforts. 
• Schedule farm visits on an ongoing basis with the purpose of assisting producers with identifying problems and working towards solutions. 
• Represent CCE with Farmers Markets as required.

Program subject matter will include:

• Major emphasis on the production forage crops.  Secondary emphasis on pasture management, small grains, and oilseed. 

• Soil management including nutrient management, tillage, crop rotation, soil testing, and conservation methods. 
• Insect, disease and weed control.
• Harvesting, handling, and storage of crops. 
• Water quality and other environmental issues as related to agronomy and soil sciences. 
• Provide general Agricultural guidance to clientele in the areas of Farmers’ Markets, farm planning, marketing, beginning farming, environmental considerations, CAFO compliance, niche farming, etc.
• Provide counsel and support to educators within the association and to other associations to foster the development of confidence and competence in program processes.

Program Management (5%)

• Prepare reports on program progress and accomplishments of (multi-) association programming for local, state, and federal use.
• Compile budget data and written reports on program finances and work plans.
• Seek out, prepare, and submit proposals to secure additional program funding, actively involving the Association Director, Issue Leader or supervisor, program committee, Board of Directors, Cornell faculty, and Extension Administration.
• Support the professional development of educator staff.

Program Evaluation (15%)

• Analyze and evaluate programs and make recommendations for change in emphasis and/or improvement to program committees and Cornell faculty and program units as necessary.
• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations to agents, program committee members, clientele, and Cornell faculty.

Monitor assigned programs to ensure that educational content conforms to the policies and objectives of the association(s) and Cornell University.

Professional Development (10%)

• Provide in-service education and be a program resource for agents and volunteers.
• Recruit volunteer staff and support the development of their leadership skills.
• Participate in orientation programs.  Attend in-service education as appropriate relating to assigned program and administrative responsibilities.
• Jointly develop and pursue a professional improvement plan, in cooperation with supervisor, to increase competency in position responsibilities.

Reporting Relationships

• Report to and receive supervision and guidance from the Ag/Hort Issue Leader and/or the Association Executive Director
• Program direction is established through coordination with the agricultural staff team, agricultural program committee, association board of directors, and Cornell Faculty. 
• May coordinate or supervise the work of staff (e.g., program assistants, program educators, volunteers, and clerical staff).
• Monthly and periodic written program reports are required

EEO/EPO

• Ensure programs reach diverse audiences.
• Embrace and appreciate diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Follow CCE policies regarding equality in employment and opportunity.

Qualifications

Masters degree in agriculture, agronomy, or related field required.   Coursework in education and research methodology highly preferred.  Minimum of two years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience and working knowledge of the agriculture, agribusiness, or field crop production required.  Certified Crop Advisor and a NY Certified Pesticide Applicator License preferred.

APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning on 11/20/09, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified.

Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA#504, Box 26, Kennedy Hall, Cornell U, Ithaca, NY 14853.

**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.  EOE.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.cce.cornell.edu