Agricultural Stewardship Specialist

Agricultural Stewardship Specialist, Riverhead, NY

Position Summary:

The Educator will be responsible for the planning, development, delivery, evaluation, coordination, and management of the Agricultural Stewardship Program in Suffolk County. This person will be responsible for administrative and programmatic staff supervision and effectively manage resources available to the program. Target communities are commercial agriculture and ornamental horticulture enterprises. The program's focus is on developing, implementing, and educating environmentally sound agriculture practices to minimize the impact of agricultural inputs on surface water and groundwater. The Educator will identify Agricultural Stewardship Program needs and set goals and priorities with program advisory committees, program participants, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff, Cornell faculty, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District personnel, and other partner organizations and associations. In cooperation with CCE Resource Educators, this individual will coordinate applied research and on-farm demonstration projects and assist with ongoing projects. This individual will also develop and assist with educational and outreach materials and programs specifically oriented to Long Island agriculture.

The Educator will maintain direct linkage with Cornell and County extension staff to develop and enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, and other groups on a local, regional, and statewide basis in agricultural, environmental stewardship.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in soil science, agriculture, horticulture, environmental science, or related science with an emphasis in sustainable agriculture, pest, or nutrient management.

• Relevant experience in agricultural extension, similar educational fields, or agricultural, environmental stewardship.

• Ability to communicate effectively through oral,written,and visual channels.

• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks with minimum supervision.

• Ability to work as a team member and work with staff, cooperating agencies, and organizations.

• Willingness to learn new tasks and ability to work independently.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and budgets simultaneously.

• Proficient computer skills such as the Microsoft Office Suite and experience with statistical analysis.

• Ability to practice sound,ethical judgment when representing CCE Suffolk to ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to legal and safety requirements.

• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Course work in soil science, agronomy, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, pest, or nutrient management.

• Experience working with environmental stewardship related to the commercial agriculture/horticulture industry.

• Two or more years of experience in agricultural extension or similar educational fields preferred.

• Experience communicating with farmers, leading on-farm trials, and hosting field days

• Experience working with other researchers, educators, and extension staff in developing and delivering community and environmental horticulture educational programs.

• Knowledge of local County needs and the services provided by other agencies related to agricultural, environmental stewardship.

• Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets.

• Experience with planning, teaching, and evaluating adult educational programs.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and support diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary: Typical Salary range $55,000.00 - $62,000.00 (based on experience)

Schedule:Exempt (40+ hours)

Date Position Available: Position open until filled; applicant review will begin in late January 2022

Benefits: Full Benefits include 21 days of vacation days per year, 3 personal days, accrued sick days, 16 holidays, health and dental insurance Program (NYSHIP), Employees' Retirement System (New York State Retirement System-NYSLRS), Cornell University Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (CUTDAP), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Long-Term Disability, Auto/Home/Pet Insurance, Legal Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance (GUL), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Long Term Care Insurance, and NY's 529 College Savings Program.

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

• Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
• Attach/upload a resume to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
• Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

Apply HERE

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at hr-ccesuffolk@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension collaborates with Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and New York State residents. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Last updated May 3, 2022