Extension Associate – Dairy Business Management Specialist

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.

Position Function

This individual will be a Dairy Business Management Specialist with the PRO-DAIRY program in the Department of Animal Science. As a member of the Farm Management Team within PRO-DAIRY, this individual will work closely with the Nutrient Management Team and lead efforts to increase understanding of the costs and performance associated with on-farm activities related to crop, manure, and environmental management. This person will also utilize experience and appropriate data tools, such as the Dairy Profit Monitor and Dairy Farm Business Summary program, to work directly with dairy farms to support business management education programs and the peer-to-peer business focused discussion group program.

Design, implement, and publish results from applied research projects that advance knowledge in dairy business management and inform evidence-based extension programming with a focus on costs and performance of practices being adopted by dairy farms associated with crop, manure, and environmental management.

Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and extension educators within PRO-DAIRY and the nutriment management team to integrate research findings into statewide educational programs and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, consisting of but not limited to involvement in program development, educational material preparation, speaking at industry meetings. Work with local and regional extension educators to meet the educational needs of dairy producers across the state by leading efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, identify emerging industry needs, and develop educational strategies to enhance dairy farm sustainability and profitability.

This position is full-time and will be based in Ithaca, New York, with options for being housed elsewhere, within NY State, if appropriate. Extensive travel (approximately 45% of time) and overnights will be required throughout New York State with this state-wide position. This is a one-year appointment, renewable up to three-years based on successful performance, available work, and funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

Program Leadership: 40%

In collaboration with PRO-DAIRY Farm Management & Nutrient Management Leaders and other PRO-DAIRY staff, provide strategic leadership, program design and implementation for applied research and modeling initiatives to develop further understanding of the costs and performances of activities being adopted by farms in the crop, manure, and environmental management areas.

Program Management: 25%

With a focus of direct industry involvement, build and maintain extension relationships with individual dairy businesses and agri-service providers by providing educational programs to increase understanding of financial data generated by Activity Analysis Projects, Dairy Farm Business Summary & Analysis Project and the Dairy Profit Monitor.

Data Analysis/Assessment: 25%

As part of applied research activities, collect farm level and activity data, analyze data to determine key findings, and report findings through appropriate channels.

Collaboration: 5%

Participate in planning meetings, help develop program materials, and attend events as needed in support and collaboration with other PRO-DAIRY staff or regional teams on programs of mutual interest.

Personal and Professional Development: 5%

To support building and maintaining relationships with the dairy industry in the state, pursue industry affiliations, seminars, and workshops of interest with a goal of bringing increased value to programs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in dairy management, ag science or business with an agricultural background and 2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in use of computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and farm financial analysis software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Possess strong data analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of farm budgets, including structure, preparation, calculation, and review.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• A commitment to quality service, collaborative decision making, and teamwork.
• Ability to deliver creative solutions.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Ability to set priorities and anticipate potential issues.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing deadlines.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation and maintaining a valid driver’s license and register with Agile/Fleet Commander.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in economics with an agricultural production focus preferred.
• Strong interest in participating in industry-based research in cooperation with commercial dairy farms.
• Demonstrated experience working within production agricultural analyzing financial performance.
• Practical understanding of conservation practices being utilized on commercial dairy farms

Supervision Exercised

This position will not formally supervise others

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31660

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $80,000 – $83,527.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range:

Refer to Posting Language

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline
• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

About Us

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell’s far-flung global presence includes the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.