As the Field Crops Specialist, you will provide commercial crop growers, producers, consultants, and industry representatives with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess production and management practices. You will focus on developing an education program in field crop production, including soil, water and nutrient management, forage and grain production, variety selection, pest and disease management related to field crops, and new technologies. Other responsibilities include:

·         Providing producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices.

·         Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts.

·         Participating in regional, statewide, and national workgroups.

·         Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial crop production.

·         Individually and collaboratively exploring and pursuing new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.

·         Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing a variety of methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, social media, newsletters, electronic technology, use of the internet, and distance learning.

·         Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.

This position is full-time and will be located in Ellicottville, New York. This is a three-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

 

What We Need

We are looking for a dynamic individual that excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates the agricultural industry in New York State. In this role, you will work with producers across several counties in the Southwest region of New York and contribute to multiple teams while developing a unique and impactful extension and applied research program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

·         Master’s Degree in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Agronomy and or Field Crops, or closely associated agricultural fields.

·         2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Crop Production, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.

·         Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.

·         Must possess or have the ability to acquire a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification and New York State Certified Pesticide Applicators License.

·         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.

·         Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Social Media).

·         Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.

·         Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.

·         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.

·         Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

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 Agronomy, Forage Production, Soil Science, Nutrient Management, Precision Agriculture, Pest Management, Adult Education, and Communications.

·         5+ years of relevant work experience.

·         Knowledge of current and emerging issues and production practices of dairy and field crops.