Extension Associate - Beef Production and Management Specialist

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 84,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc. is hiring an Extension Associate - Beef Production and Management Specialist in Ithaca, New York. This full-time position involves delivering educational programs focused on beef cattle production, conducting applied research, and teaching courses like ANSC 3600. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Agriculture and have at least 2 years of relevant experience. The role requires strong communication skills, project management abilities, and knowledge of livestock production principles. Salary ranges from $84,000 to $90,000, with travel requirements included.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in agriculture from accredited institution with major in Animal Science.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in agribusiness or livestock.
• Experience in conducting and communicating applied research.

Responsibilities

• Deliver educational programs on beef production.
• Conduct applied research and field demonstrations.
• Teach an annual course related to beef cattle.

Skills

Livestock production knowledge

Research and evaluation

Project management

Communication skills

Grant writing

Education

Master’s degree in Agriculture

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Access

Job description

Extension Associate - Beef Production and Management Specialist

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. Our focus is on understanding complex systems, ensuring access to nutritious food and healthy environments, and supporting local communities to achieve a prosperous future.

Position Function

This individual will be an extension livestock educator with the PRO‑LIVESTOCK program, primarily focused on beef cattle production and management in the Department of Animal Science. The primary responsibility is to deliver an integrated educational program on beef cattle production along with business analysis for beef producers, beginning farmers, and other industry clientele. Collaboration with Cornell faculty, statewide specialists, and Cooperative Extension Educators is required.

The position is full‑time and based in Ithaca, New York, with the possibility of being housed elsewhere if appropriate. Travel and overnight stays throughout New York State (approximately 20% of time) are required.

Anticipated Division of Time

Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (50%)

• Provide leadership for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that address producer‑identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing beef production and business planning.
• Offer producers and industry a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best‑management practices.
• Plan and implement educational programs using direct teaching, group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning.
• Conduct one‑on‑one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program development and problem solving.
• Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with partner input and recommend improvements.
• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations as appropriate.
• Prepare quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.

Applied Research (15%)

• Initiate and conduct applied research and field demonstrations with regional and statewide implications in commercial beef production as an educational outreach strategy.
• Participate in statewide collaborative research projects with university and extension faculty, staff, and other agencies.
• Define and implement reporting mechanisms for producer‑focused measurable outcomes.
• Meet evaluation and reporting requirements of funding partners.

Teaching (15%)

Teaching responsibilities will consist of one course annually. Initial responsibilities include teaching ANSC 3600 “Beef Cattle” (3‑credit course typically taught in the Spring) or ANSC 3500 “Meat” (3‑credit course typically taught during the Fall). Tasks include overall course leadership, creating and presenting lecture and laboratory materials, developing testing materials, and meeting with students outside of class hours.

Management (10%)

• Responsible for routine operations, reporting, and accountability.
• Support team efforts to communicate effectively with stakeholders and partners.
• Support planning and implementation of regional and statewide events.
• Explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Promote teamwork and establish relationships with stakeholders.

Organizational Leadership (5%)

• Support Cornell University and Cooperative Extension initiatives through participation in program work teams, ad‑hoc committees, and advisory groups.
• Attend meetings, provide ideas and recommendations to advance departmental goals.
• Participate in regional, statewide, and national workgroups related to Cornell, Cooperative Extension, and livestock industries.
• Foster collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry.
• Maintain positive relationships with supporters of the organization.

Professional Development (5%)

• Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops relevant to program and personal skill enhancement.
• Maintain and build upon required administrative and technical skills.
• Participate in related regional, statewide, and national professional organizations.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Animal Science or closely related fields.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in agribusiness, livestock, field crops, Cooperative Extension, or related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating applied research.
• Competence with current technology (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, internet, social media) for program delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of commercial livestock production principles and business management.
• Proven organizational and time‑management skills.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Ability to conduct applied research and demonstration projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse audiences, advisory boards, committees, community, and funding partners.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Must be able to meet travel requirements, including reliable transportation or a valid New York State driver’s license.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in agriculture focusing on Animal Science or closely related fields.
• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• 2+ years of beef production experience.

Pay Range

CALS hiring range for this title is $84,000 – $90,000.