CALS- Extension Support Specialist I- Veteran Project Associate- School of Integrative Plant Sciences (SIPS)

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is seeking an Extension Support Specialist I- Veteran Project Associate to support the Farm Ops Project, an initiative focused on assisting military veterans pursuing agricultural careers. This role will contribute to beginning farmer training, support networks, and informational resources for veterans. The Veteran Project Associate will work under the Veteran Project Lead to facilitate military veterans entering farming as a career, supporting the aims of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The position emphasizes fostering a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing within the Cornell University community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, communication, education, business administration or equivalent combination.
2-4 years relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in conducting logistical, educational, or promotional support for event planning.
Good working knowledge in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Power Point.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and quickly change direction and re-prioritize.
Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
Ability to work well and establish effective working relationships with a wide variety of collaborators and educators.
Experience working in a team environment to accomplish goals.
Ability to be pro-active and a self-starter.
Must have and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License.
Willingness to travel with occasional overnight trips being required.
Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of 3 years of direct farm experience and/or experience providing services to beginning farmers.
Veteran or several years’ experience working directly with veterans.
Experience incorporating the perspectives of military servicemembers, particularly veteran experiences of transitioning back into a civilian community.

Responsibilities

Support all activities related to farmer veteran project goals.
Develop existing communications platforms and messaging to support and understand the veteran audience.
Facilitate communications to attract veterans to project activities.
Develop teaching materials or training strategies for military veterans transitioning into or currently involved in agriculture.
Host peer learning circles of military veterans interested or currently engaged in agriculture.
Support the development of a farmer veteran networking program in New York State.
Facilitate relationship building with veteran farmers and veterans seeking careers in agriculture to create a mentorship system.
Foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences, being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming.
Show respect, compassion, and empathy; engage and support others regardless of background or perspective.
Speak up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately.
Support work/life integration of oneself and others.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program