Eastern New York Horticulture Extension Support Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Highland, New York

Eastern New York Horticulture Extension Support Specialist

Extension Support Specialist I

Band E - Exempt
Cornell Cooperative Extension
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Highland, New York

Who We Are

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (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: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University's role as New York State's Land Grant University. The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program provides educational programs and information to growers and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably produce and market safe and healthful horticultural crops, contributing to the viability of farms and the economic wellbeing of New York State.

What You Will Do

As a member of the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program, you will provide educational leadership for implementing educational opportunities around conventional muck-grown onion pests and disease management. Additionally, you will collaborate with specialists on developing outreach materials focused on vegetable pest and disease scouting reports. Other duties include:

• Traveling to research plots on commercial fruit and vegetable farms to help with research trial maintenance, data collection, and logistical coordination with host farms.
• Scouting for insects, diseases, weeds and crop damage in research plots and commercial farms.
• Delivering short- and long-range educational programs as assigned, emphasizing regional pest and soil management, including workshops, online meetings, and field meetings.
• Interpreting and visualizing data as needed for research efforts.
• Collaborating on grant and funding proposals to address applied research needs and generate program support.
• Identifying regional program needs and opportunities focused on maintaining crop quality and farm profitability.
• Evaluating, documenting, and reporting the efficacy, environmental impact, and cost of research projects, programs, and practices.
• Developing and distributing surveys designed to collect input from stakeholders on research and program priorities.
• Collecting data as well as summarizing comparative statistics and analyzing results.
• Developing outreach materials based on research results, such as industry-facing products, and contributing to manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone who has an appreciation for agriculture and wants to address the issues that impact the vegetable, tree fruit, small fruit, and grape industries within New York State. In this role, you will work across a wide geography within Eastern New York and contribute to multiple teams while developing your unique program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Bachelor's degree in a physical or biological science or a closely related field and 2+ years of experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Background in integrated pest and soil management and demonstrated a solid commitment to extension supporting the agriculture industry.
• Ability to collaborate with other University staff, extension and industry personnel, and commercial farms.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Demonstrated quantitative skills.
• Experience in statistical analysis with appropriate software such as R+, SAS, or similar programs.
• Demonstrated skills to design, execute, and analyze complex industry-based research in cooperation with commercial growers under the direction of Vegetable Extension Associates.
• Must be able to work freely while collaborating with an overall team to foster a respectful work environment.
• Experience that demonstrates creativity, reasoning, and solution-finding techniques.
• Knowledge of balancing conflicting priorities, making informed choices, and using sound judgment to complete urgent tasks.
• Ability to plan and anticipate potential issues.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology, i.e., Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, have reliable transportation, and have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.
• Visual concentration, attention to detail, and manual dexterity are required.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able and willing to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions and field terrain.
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends as essential job functions require.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Must possess or have the ability to acquire a New York State Certified Pesticide Applicator's License within one year of start date.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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:

• Master's Degree or coursework in entomology, horticulture, plant pathology, weed science, horticulture, agronomy, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Prior experience in the vegetable industry.
• Work experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating applied research results.
• Professional work experience in crop production, pest management, Cooperative Extension, or developing informal educational programs.
• Experience in statistical analysis.
• Experience or coursework in farm business management.

This is a one-year appointment (40 hours / week) with possible extension depending on funding and performance. This position will be located in the Hudson Valley region of New York, with shared office space available at the Hudson Valley Research Laboratory in Highland, New York.

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.

• You can also view additional information regarding job competencies and staff skills for success.
• 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.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.