Extension Associate - Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

Academic Job Description

Department of Animal Science

Extension Associate - Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)

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 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 an Extension Associate for the Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) in the Department of Animal Science. Specific focus will be the New York On-Farm Applied Research Partnership with farmers, private and public sector farm advisors, agricultural industry and state agency partners to advance nutrient management for field crops in New York. The New York On-Farm Applied Research Partnership works with farmers and farm advisors to help them implement on-farm evaluation of different management practices using a vast array of strategies and scales (within-field, field, whole farm) to advance agriculture and environmental management for increased sustainability and protection of the environment. With access to data of relevance to their own farm, farmers can see in measurable terms whether their production and business models are achieving the intended results. They can also see where they stand relative to their peers, and collaboratively develop new management ideas to move the sustainability dial forward. At the same time, "home-grown data" can be used to communicate the positive impacts farmers have on their communities and environment to consumers and stakeholders.

This individual will independently design and implement the extension program for on-farm applied research for the Nutrient Management Spear Program. Specific focus is on (1) recruitment of farmers and farm advisors in funded on-farm projects; (2) collaborate with NMPS scientists to implement on-farm experimentation in their focus areas; (3) management of all on-farm applied research activities (research, communication, and collaboration); (4) supervising the collection of samples for data analysis; (5) data analyses and reporting of results to farmers (annual farm reports); (6) gathering farmer and farm advisor input on on-farm applied research needs (needs assessment); (7) contributing to writing of grants to support the on-farm research partnership; (8) dissemination of experimentation findings to farmer, farm advisor, and stakeholder audiences through extension articles, farmer winter meetings, crop and shop extension events, and regional and national webinars; and (9) writing peer-reviewed journal articles that summarize on-farm research projects.

Anticipated Division of Time

Design and implement on-farm research trials: 40%

• Collaborate with farms and farm advisors to set up farm experiments adapted to farm resources and conditions.
• Coordinate field and laboratory work associated with on-farm research.
• Collect and manage samples of soil, corn silage, corn grain, and soybeans for data analysis, and establish a quality control process.
• Maintain good communications with supervisor, technical staff, postdoctoral associates, graduate students, temporary staff, farmers, and other collaborators within Cornell and at other institutions.

Evaluation, Reporting, and Extension Delivery: 40%

• Devise, develop, and deliver extension/outreach materials on conducting on-farm applied research and project findings to target audiences.
• Receive, research, and answer industry questions from extension/target audience on related topics using various on-farm research approaches.
• Author annual reports summarizing data for farmer/clients.

• Disseminate reports and visual aids of research findings to farmer and farm advisor audiences through extension articles, farmer winter meetings, crop and shop extension events, and regional and national webinars;
• Provide critical assessment of reports, presentations, and results as required to evaluate and ensure proper instrument function.
• Write web and social media articles to share findings, and where applicable for the projects, lead the development of peer-reviewed journal articles summarizing on-farm research project results.

Safety Compliance:5%

• Ensure compliance in Worker Protection Safety (WPS) for all collaborators working in fields where pesticides have been applied.
• Ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to safety requirements as mandated in cooperation with the Cornell Office of Occupational and Environmental Health in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Personal and Professional Development:15%

• Attend educational seminars, courses, and workshops related to data collection, data management and processing (statistical analyses), and extension education approaches and other topics of relevance to New York on-farm applied research.
• Maintain all required educational/position qualifications to fulfill job requirements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an agricultural or environmental science field.
• Minimum of three years of on-farm research coordinator experience.
• Familiarity with forage production and dairy farming, preferably in the Northeast.
• Ability to understand existing programs and develop new programs incorporating the New York On-Farm Applied Research Partnership with farmers, private and public sector farm advisors, agricultural industry and state agency partners, and scientists to advance nutrient management for field crops in New York.
• Proven ability to work independently in collecting and summarizing data.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to work well with, motivate, and mentor a diverse group of people, including but not limited to faculty, staff, students, and farm owners and employees.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the university and farm owners.
• Ability to effectively operate farm equipment with various farm implements.
• Excellent skills in computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, QGIS, farming software (e.g. Yield Editor and SMS), and R.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and up and work in all weather conditions.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.

Supervision Exercised

• This position will directly supervise seasonal interns, up to 5 per year.
• This position will work with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and team staff as a mentor for conducting on-farm applied research.

To apply:

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

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

CALS hiring range for this title is University minimum to "Justification Approved Rate".

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.

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, and individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristics 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 strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

Pay Range:

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.

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 mycareer@cornell.edu.

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 atequity@cornell.edu.

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 mycareer@cornell.edu.

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.