Livestock Educator - Warsaw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

21h•$29•Onsite

About The Position

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County has an opening for full-time Livestock Educator working from the Warsaw, NY office. The Livestock Educator is responsible for assisting with development, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of comprehensive, research-based livestock education programs serving Wyoming County. The position strengthens the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) system by actively engaging livestock producers, county and regional Extension staff, Cornell University faculty, and public and private partners. The Livestock Educator, under the supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for assisting with design of programming responsive to identified community needs and delivering research‑based educational initiatives that strengthen Wyoming County’s livestock sector. The role supports economic viability, herdsman ship, animal health, product quality, and operational excellence. Program areas include dairy, beef, small ruminants, poultry, equine, companion animals, and emerging livestock enterprises, with environmental stewardship integrated across all efforts. This position collaborates closely with Cornell programs including ProDairy, ProLivestock, the Northwest New York (NWNY) Dairy, Field Crops, and Livestock Team, the Cornell Horse Program, and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Requirements

Master’s degree in agriculture, animal science, agricultural education, or related field with experience relevant to the role of the position. Bachelor’s degree plus 4 years transferrable, relevant, evidence-based research experience may substitute.
Experience Relevant to the role.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
Demonstrated written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse internal and external partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities with strong organizational and project management skills.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, other educators, community, and professional leaders.
Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, timely, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.
Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
Ability to align educational programming with the needs of collaborators and grant objectives.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Ability to work in an indoor or outdoor environment that may include weather conditions such as heat, precipitation, or cold, lifting, moving, and/or transporting 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 provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Nice To Haves

At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience in livestock education, agricultural programming, or related area.
Five (5) or more years of professional experience in the livestock industry, particularly dairy, beef, small ruminants, or forage systems.
Coursework or experience in livestock, adult education, research, grant management, and/or project management.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in Spanish.

Responsibilities

Assist with development of 18–24 annual educational programs including workshops, trainings, field days, farm tours, and a mini-conference.
Assist with translating research findings into actionable educational content for producers and stakeholders.
Assist with development of research-based Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and educational materials for livestock producers, including dairy, beef, poultry, and processing operations.
Assist in research, identification and selection of resources for the program.
Participate in advisory committees and collaborative planning efforts to support program relevance and effectiveness.
Assist with ensuring program development is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work. Assist in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
Deliver 18–24 high quality, annual educational programs including workshops, trainings, field days, farm tours, and a mini-conference.
Apply existing subject matter knowledge to create lessons plans to deliver educational program.
Assist with ensuring educational content reflects Cornell University research and aligns with CCE policies and program priorities.
Utilize diverse educational methods such as in-person instruction, on-farm demonstrations, distance learning, media, and written materials.
Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences
Serve as subject matter resource utilizing existing subject matter resources and materials.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
Assist in ensuring program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Program staff to support the goals and objectives of the CCE Wyoming County Strategic Plan.
Assist with the design and implementation of program evaluation framework.
Assist in applying subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational program.
Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to the constituencies.
Collect evaluation data for at least 80% of programs.
Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods.
Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Assist in recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
Assist in ensuring program evaluation is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Assist and contribute to on-farm research projects annually through surveys, interviews, and data collection.
Assist and collaborate with Cornell faculty, ProDairy, ProLivestock, and regional Extension teams on applied research initiatives.
Assist to ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
Assist with planning the delivery of established educational program goals.
Assist with identifying program, activity, and resource needs necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
May provide moderately complex administrative tasks in planning for communication and marketing efforts related to program/ function.
May assist in planning effective strategic external and internal communication efforts.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of programs and events utilizing appropriate policies and procedures with the guidance of supervisor.
Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e., program supplies and materials).
Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the association and is research knowledgebased.
Assist the monitoring of program income/expense to ensure the spending is within the program budget constraint.
Coordinate identified administrative tasks to support the delivery of established educational program goals, i.e., confirming events; gathering materials and resources for program delivery; and ensuring delivery to offsite program locations.
Assist with preparation of grant proposal and/or prepare grant materials for submission, as opportunities arise. Prepare materials for report submission to meet funding agency requirements.
Provide required information needed in the financial documentation to meet the grant or budget requirement.
Assist in coordinating program implementation activities and planning efforts.
Coordinate livestock and processing facility tours to enhance experiential learning.
Prepare Extension articles, newsletters, and event-specific educational handouts.
Assist in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
Document research contributions and outcomes annually.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts.
Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained.
Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities.
In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required.
Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar 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.
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.
Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes and Skills for Success.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner at all times.
Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.