CALS- Extension Support Specialist II- Business Management Specialist- Wayne County (Cornell Cooperative Extension)

Cornell University • New York, NY

26d • Hybrid

About The Position

Extension Support Specialist II- Business Management Specialist The Opportunity As a university founded to be a place where “…any person can find instruction in any study,” inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values As a people manager and university leader you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing by fostering an environment where everyone has the ability to thrive and navigate work and life’s challenges because they feel like they belong and have the tools and support they need. While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success About the College 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. What We Need Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. Programmatically, CCE connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off-campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management, New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City. The Lake Ontario Fruit Program (LOF) serves commercial fruit producers in Wayne, Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, and Oswego counties along the shore of Lake Ontario. In these counties, there are 414 apple farms growing 39,973 acres. New York State is the second in national apple production, and the LOF region represents 65% of the acreage in New York. Modern planting systems range from 600 to 2000 trees per acre and are supported by a trellis system or individual tree supports. In addition, peaches, sweet cherries, tart cherries, apricots, and many berry crops are also produced in the region. The fruit industry of the LOF region is growing, vibrant, and continues to invest in modern technology to compete in world markets. Provide leadership in consultation with faculty and industry leaders for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that address producer-identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing business management for commercial growers and other industry clientele. Primary emphasis will be in tree fruit but could extend to other horticultural commodities. Implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods. Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices. Identify, initiate, and conduct demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of the fruit industry in western New York. Prepare quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments. Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations to program partners and funders. Support team efforts in communication with industry stakeholders and partners. Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops such as the annual Agriculture and Food Systems In-Service, appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement. This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be in the Rochester, New York area. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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. Campus Collaboration is expected. To be a self-starter and willing to seek out answers and develop trust and collaboration with the stakeholder, extension, and academic communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, or related fields and 3+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Horticultural Crop Production, Education, or closely related fields, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
• Ability to work effectively with industry, economic development groups, advisory boards and committees, community/ funding partners, and other stakeholders.
• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Web development).
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices of horticultural crops.
• Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment and quickly adjust to changing priorities.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Compliant with all Cornell University and job-related training requirements.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master of Science or Master of Business Administration) in a closely related field.
• Coursework in Horticultural Sciences, Marketing, Labor Management, Adult Education, and Communications.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Ability to become familiar with the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in support of the fruit industry.
• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in consultation with faculty and industry leaders for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that address producer-identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing business management for commercial growers and other industry clientele.
• Primary emphasis will be in tree fruit but could extend to other horticultural commodities.
• Implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods.
• Provide producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices.
• Identify, initiate, and conduct demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of the fruit industry in western New York.
• Prepare quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.
• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations to program partners and funders.
• Support team efforts in communication with industry stakeholders and partners.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops such as the annual Agriculture and Food Systems In-Service, appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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.
• To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level