CCE of Albany County Regional Agronomy Educator – Hudson Falls, NY

Rooted in every county of the state, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) translates Cornell University’s world-class research into practical, real-world knowledge that helps New York state residents, businesses, and communities thrive. Serving Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Washington Counties, the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program (CAAHP) provides education for farmers, growers, and producers through workshops, newsletters, and consultations using various delivery methods.

The Regional Agronomy Educator plans, designs, implements, and evaluates educational and applied research agronomy programs. The educator provides highly technical programming to support the field crops industry (both for use as cash crops and as integrated with the dairy industry) and in collaboration with other staff using a multi-disciplinary, integrated approach.
The educator helps make connections between farmers, Cornell staff, other agronomy educators, and agricultural service providers, in the four-county region.

Working as part of a team, this position assists with the CAAHP advisory structure and develops areas of expertise based on program needs in the region, interests, and abilities.

We firmly believe in work-life balance and provide generous paid time off. This position is full-time. Compensation is paid at the rate of $67,000 annually and includes 21 Vacation days, 14 Holidays, 3 Personal days and 12 Sick days annually. Mileage for work related travel is reimbursed. Excellent benefits package includes health insurance, free dental Insurance, NYS Retirement (NYSLRS), and much more.

    

NYS Capital Region – a great place to live & work.

Located in the upper Hudson Valley – the Capital District of New York State is within a few hours’ drive of New York City, Boston, and Montreal.  On the southern edge of the Adirondacks and not far from the Berkshires in Massachusetts and the Hudson Valley, living in the Capital Region has something for everyone.  Our agricultural region is diverse, innovative, and progressive – uniquely positioned for direct, niche ag markets. Farming, hiking, fishing, skiing, arts, dining, nightlife, and music festivals abound in the region. And, you’re never far from a fun weekend day trip to the mountains or a few hours’ drive to the coast for some sunny New England beaches.

Application Instructions

In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).  

Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher).  To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.  If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance.  

All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Apply By

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on March 3, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a field appropriate to the position (e.g., agronomy) and a minimum of four years related experience. A PhD may substitute for 2 years’ experience.

• Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for Association insurance coverage are required.

• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Commitment to helping ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• Program Skills—Ability to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate regional programs. Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including sponsorships, grant writing, and developing public and private partnerships. Ability to develop and maintain partner relationships and serve on advisory boards, committees, and work teams.

• Communication Skills - Ability to frequently and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with external partners, Cornell program work teams, program participants, employees, volunteers, and others. 

• Technology Skills—Proficiency with or ability to learn program-related software (e.g., agronomy), the Microsoft Office suite, databases, the Internet, and virtual presentation software.

• Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position frequently lifts, moves, or transports program-related materials and equipment.  The position regularly works in agricultural and outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat, precipitation, and cold.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest or experience in small grains production, entomology, Integrated Pest Management, soil health.

• General experience in row crop and forage production.

• Coursework in research methodology, education, and management experience is highly preferred.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Assessment – 10%

• Provide in-depth regional program leadership and high-level subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community, assess programs, analyze needs, and make recommendations for improvement.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University for program assessment guidance.

• Involved in regional, multi-association team efforts to assess programs.

Program Development – 15%

• Provide in-depth regional program leadership and high-level subject matter knowledge to develop regional educational strategies and programs, create program materials, and meet changing regional issues.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University for program development guidance.

• Involved in regional, multi-association team efforts to develop programs.

Program Delivery – 20%

• Serve as subject matter expert in field crop production of various existing and emerging crops.

• Apply in-depth subject matter expertise to successfully deliver regional educational programs, including but not limited to: Small Grains School and Pesticide Applicator training.

• Strengthen and enhance the educational connections between the regional team and regional agribusinesses.

• Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.

• Stay abreast of new and accepted teaching technologies to provide effective educational programs.

• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.

• Involved in regional, multi-association team efforts to deliver program.

• Serve as the direct linkage with Cornell University and other Land Grant Universities for program delivery guidance.

• Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation – 15%

• Apply in depth subject matter knowledge to evaluate and analyze regional educational programs, communicate findings, and make recommendations for improvements.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University for program evaluation guidance. 

Applied Research – 10%

• Conduct applied research; collaborate with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University or other Land Grant Universities for guidance in applied research.

• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.

• Ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 10%

• Plan regional educational programs, delivery methods, budgets, events, marketing, and communication efforts.

• Develop, enhance, and expand relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders.

Management – 10%

• Manage regional programs and events (secure speakers, etc.), communications, and marketing efforts.

• Monitor regional program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association, and is research knowledge based.

• Review submissions for funding opportunities and grant proposals.

• Provide guidance to volunteers, interns, and staff.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Coordinate and schedule assigned programs.

• Recruit program participants.

• Promote public awareness by writing articles, impact statements, social media posts, web updates, news releases, etc.

• Complete and submit all required data, reports, records, and documentation on time.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.

• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.

• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Albany County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Position Details

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $67,000 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holiday pay)

• NYS Health Insurance Program (including free Dental Insurance)

• NYS Retirement (NYSERS)

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts

• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance

• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance

• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

• Voluntary Pet Insurance

• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

• ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu or phone (518) 765-3503.

http://albany.cce.cornell.edu/

  

Job Title:

Association Regional Issue Educator

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jim McNaughton

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.  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.

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 are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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

Salary : $67,000