Farm Business Management Educator

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

19d•$23•Onsite

About The Position

The Farm Business Management Specialist serves as a member of the Agriculture team to provide producers and industry with a framework for analyzing production and management alternatives and maximizing profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices. The individual will work with farms of all sizes to analyze management strategies to expand production and profitability. In this position the Farm Business Management Specialist will provide educational programming utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet, and distance learning. The position is responsible for preparing quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture (e.g., animal science, farm business) or related discipline or Associate’s degree in agriculture or related discipline and two years of transferable program/functional experience.
Minimum of one year employment or volunteer experience in program delivery or Extension work.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adults and diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to communicate effectively with external customers and employees.
Ability to work independently and with peers and groups.
Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
Ability to read English and interpret documents such as instructions and safety and procedure manuals.
A valid NYS driver’s license, ability to drive, and have a driver’s record acceptable for agency insurance coverage
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel).
Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Nice To Haves

Academic coursework in financial/educational studies.
Knowledge and experience in working effectively in a non-formal education system, such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Ability to manage time effectively while maintaining attention to detail.
Knowledge of Oneida County.
Familiarity with database entry.

Responsibilities

Implement and deliver existing educational programs in the Association’s Agriculture Department.
Provide program related education and training for new and existing farmers, with emphasis on business planning, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.
Serve as subject matter resource for staff, program participants and other groups, particularly in areas related to farm business management, agricultural policy, and program.
Effectively deliver programs to participants, individually and in groups.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
May be involved in multidisciplinary Association or regional team efforts for program delivery.
Utilize a variety of educational methodologies that are audience-age appropriate.
Foster the acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs.
May assist in ensuring that program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Implement program evaluation based on established parameters.
Interact with various constituencies to obtain evaluation of program; communicate results and findings with stakeholders.
Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data.
Assist in making recommendations for program improvement.
Provide input in planning the delivery of educational programs and events.
Provide input in the program communications strategy, e.g. press releases, social media, marketing materials.
Provide planning input for program and project budgets, under guidance of supervisor.
Provide low-complexity administrative management to support agriculture program goals.
Initiate professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate programming efforts.
Assist supervisor to solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the Agriculture department utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, and with the guidance of supervisor as needed.
Provide guidance to co-workers, including those doing similar work.
Recruit program participants.
Coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials.
Perform general coordination activities, including for example attending staff meetings, working with other staff, and general marketing of Extension programs.
Provide low complexity limited tasks to plan the educational program and implement the program budget; submit program related expense receipts in a timely manner following Association procedures.
Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
Assist in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming, such as with print media, news media, social media, radio, and multi-media efforts.
Complete data entry of participant information in agriculture database.
In cooperation with supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required.
Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Benefits

NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement!!!
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
12 Paid holidays, 2 floating holidays (can be used at any time of year), 12 vacation days, 4 personal days and 15 sick days per year!