The Cornell Small Farms Program is seeking an Extension Associate to join
our staff.  Please see position description and instructions below.

To view the description online, visit http://www.hr.cornell.edu/jobs/
Then, click on: External Applicants > Faculty and Non-Faculty Instruction,
Research & Extension Positions > Job Number 11761-Extension Associate
Interviews will begin late January. 

Extension Associate
Department of Horticulture
Cornell Small Farms Program
Summary Statement of Purpose and Responsibilities: This position is
part-time (60% fte) and supports the stated mission of the Cornell Small
Farms Program: to support and encourage the sustainability of diverse,
thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural
communities, and the environment.  The appointee serves as the senior
staff person for a growing team conducting extension education, outreach,
professional development, teaching and research designed to support the
small farm sector in New York State. S/he works closely in cooperation
with the Director, Small Farms Leadership Team, and Small Farms Task Group
(PWT). The work is collaborative in nature with Cornell Cooperative
Extension educators, Cornell faculty, farmers, students, and other
appropriate private and public sector organizations and businesses.
Specific duties and responsibilities:
Communications and Outreach 50%
* Serve as Managing Editor for Small Farm Quarterly magazine
(circulation 27,000) including oversight of an Editorial Team
consisting of 12-15 CCE educators and other partners across NYS and
the Northeast region.
* Oversee the Program's News Service including press release service
and monthly Small Farms Update electronic newsletter.
* Oversee management of Cornell's Small Farms Web Site,
www.smallfarms..cornell.edu and its ongoing improvement.
* Develop and strengthen communications networks among CCE educators,
CALS faculty and staff, small farm operators and other stakeholders,
using established and emerging communications technologies including
email listserves; conference calls; interactive online technologies
such as wikis; videoconferencing; etc.
* Organize biannual Small Farm Summits, engaging numerous stakeholders
from around the state to brainstorm priority areas for small farm
support by Cornell/CCE.
* Make presentations and develop supporting educational materials for
educational events (conferences, workshops, and professional
development experiences.)
* Prepare articles, bulletins, reports, and impact statements for
Program and projects.
Research 25%
* Assist Program Director in development of grant proposals.
* Serve as research team member for various Small Farm Program
collaborations and research efforts.
* Facilitate linkages to the program and to small farmers as part of
research collaborations with other programs and faculty.
* Prepare final reports for projects of the Small Farm Program
Program Development   and Collaboration 20%
* Assist in planning and developing collaborative research, extension,
teaching, and professional development initiatives that contribute to
the mission of the Small Farms Program and which engage Cornell
faculty, students, and staff from diverse disciplines as well as
external stakeholders.
* Support other Small Farms Program staff in implementing new projects.
* Supervise student Program Assistants.
Teaching, Supporting Students  5%
* Serve as Instructor for courses developed by the Small Farm Program,
in cooperation with other faculty and students.
* Serve as guest speaker in other classes as invited.
Supervision received: Supervised by Dr. Anu Rangarajan, Director, Cornell
Small Farms Program, Department of Horticulture.
Administrative and Program Relationships: Establishes and maintains
effective, collaborative working relationships with CCE educators, Cornell
University faculty, students, organizations, agencies, groups and
individuals throughout NYS, the NE and the nation..
Qualifications
Minimum Education: Master's Degree in agriculture or in an area of study
that relates to one or more of the core elements of education and services
for the small farm sector.  Experience:  Minimum 2-3 years' experience in
a position involving adult education or related work with the farm
community and/or agricultural businesses and organizations..
Special Requirements: Travel throughout NYS and the Northeast region.
Must possess a valid driver's license or have access to transportation to
meet the requirements of the position.
Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
* In-depth knowledge of and strong interest in research and education
in support of the small farm sector.
* Demonstrated abilities in adult education including advanced skills
in oral, written and visual communications.
* Demonstrated ability establishing effective and productive working
relationships with co-workers as well as individuals/groups with
diverse interests and perspectives.
* Demonstrated ability working effectively in teams, as both a leader
and team member.
* Demonstrated ability working effectively without day-to-day
supervision.
* Excellent skill in the use of computer technology for word
processing, data base management and electronic communication.
Experience with web page development and maintenance.
* Supervise student Program Assistants, and assist the Director in
overseeing and supporting other staff.
Appointment is for three years, and is renewable depending on funding.
Cornell offers a generous benefits package, a rich intellectual
environment, and an attractive college town setting in the attractive
Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.
Applicants should send a CV, and have three letters of reference sent to:
Cornell University
Dr. Anusuya Rangarajan
Department of Horticulture
121 Plant Science Building
Ithaca, NY 14853-7801 USA
Email applications should be sent to [email protected]. Review of
applications will begin Jan 18 and will continue until the position has
been filled.
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York, is an inclusive, dynamic,
and innovative Ivy League university and New York's land-grant
institution. Its staff, faculty, and students impart an uncommon sense of
larger purpose and contribute creative ideas and best practices to further
the university's mission of teaching, research, and outreach.
Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator
and employer.