Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); North Country, New York

Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist

Extension Associate

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

North Country, New York

Who We Are

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. Harvest New York is an innovative Cornell Cooperative Extension team that focuses on workforce development and business expansion projects that increase profitability and investment in key sectors of New York’s agriculture industry.

What You Will Do

As the Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, you will provide research and educational support to New York agriculture and ag service providers to support adaptation and mitigation in response to Climate Change. You will help farmers maximize carbon sequestration potential through land management strategies, reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and support farmers in contributing to and documenting progress towards New York State climate change goals. Other responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that emphasize adapting and mitigating climate change on New York State agriculture.
• Leading efforts in communication with stakeholders and partners through production guides, newsletters, quarterly reports, news releases, evaluation plans, social media, etc.
• Serving as the Statewide Co-Chair of the CCE Ag Climate Resiliency Program Work team, facilitating internal professional development and networking.
• Effectively share/exchange knowledge with commercial growers.
• Interpreting and disseminating the latest research findings in the fields relevant to the position utilizing publications and state-of-the-art education and communication techniques.
• Implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including workshops, formal classroom teaching and small group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet, and distance learning.
• Developing educational materials supporting educational programs.
• Individually and collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders. We need someone who appreciates agriculture and wants to improve the climate resiliency of farm operations within New York State. We need someone who is self-motivated and has strong customer service skills with a focus on excellence. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s Degree in Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Geology, Meteorology, or related field with a demonstrated focus in agricultural production.
• 2+ years of experience working in field crops, horticulture, or other agricultural-related industries, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with digital agriculture tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial modeling, monitoring, and benchmarking metrics such as soil carbon, nutrients, erosion, etc.
• Demonstrated strong commitment to extension in support of agriculture and a willingness to collaborate with other staff in a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach commitment to extension education.
• Ability to collaborate with other University staff, extension and industry personnel, and commercial farms.
• Participate in climate-related research with faculty, elected officials, and farmers.
• Strong commitment to quality service, collaborative decision-making, teamwork, and communication is essential.
• Experience that demonstrates sound judgment, creativity, management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to plan and anticipate potential issues, with a strong ability for multi-tasking.
• Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, social media, and Web development).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings, working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• 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.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you!  There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Coursework in Crop Production, Weed Science, Economics of Production, Pest Management, Plant Pathology, Soils, Adult Education, and Communications.
• Ph.D. in Crop Science, Agronomy, Precision Agriculture, or related field.
• Prior experience with crop production and management
• Certified Crop Advisor.
• New York Certified Pesticide Applicator License. 

This position is full-time and will be located in North Country, New York. There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence is required three days a week.

This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $44,800 to $92,000.00.
• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards .

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26959 ).

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three references, and a statement supporting diverse communities (this can be a stand-alone document (preferred) or the information can be embedded in other parts of the application materials) outlining how, through research, teaching, service, mentoring, extension, and/or outreach, the candidate has and will contribute to support Cornell’s historical mission of “any person … any study,” via the website. 

Applications must be submitted by January 12, 2024.

For more information, please contact Judson Reid at [email protected] . Additional information about the Harvest  New York Team can be found at https://harvestny.cce.cornell.edu/ .

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Range:

$44,800.00 – $85,800.00

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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell’s COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university’s COVID-19 services and information .

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 University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX 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] .

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, 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. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-01-05