CALS- Extension Support Specialist I- Veteran Project Associate- School of Integrative Plant Sciences (SIPS)
About The Position
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 CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. The Cornell Small Farm Program (SFP) engages in research and extension projects and collaborations that support and enhance the viability of small farms in New York. This position will support the Farm Ops Project, a SFP effort focused on supporting military veterans pursuing agricultural careers through beginning farmer training, support networks, and informational resources. This Veteran Project Associate will support the Veteran Project Lead in all aspects related to the aims of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and towards facilitating military veterans entering into farming as a career.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, communication, education, business administration and 2-4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
- 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 must possess the 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 to ensure a high-quality and respectful work and training environment.
- Experience working in a team environment to accomplish goals, as well as ability to be pro-active and a self-starter.
- Must have and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License and be willing 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 strongly preferred.
- 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.
- Demonstrate support and understanding of the veteran audience through further development of existing communications platforms and messaging.
- 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 with the aim of creating a mentorship system.
- Foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
