Extension Associate - Dairy Business Management Specialist

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; Town of Ithaca (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 83,527; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural organization in Ithaca, NY, is looking for an Extension Associate - Dairy Business Management Specialist. The successful candidate will manage applied research projects and provide educational programs for dairy businesses. This full-time role includes significant travel across New York State and requires a Master's degree, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with financial analysis software. The competitive salary range is between $80,000 and $83,527 annually.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in dairy management, agricultural science or business with an agricultural background and 2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in use of computer programs such as Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to deliver creative solutions and work in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for applied research in dairy business management.
• Build and maintain extension relationships with dairy businesses.
• Collect and analyze farm-level data for reporting key findings.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Strong data analytical skills

Strong presentation skills

Excellent organizational skills

Strong understanding of farm budgets

Education

Master’s degree in dairy management, agricultural science or business

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Farm financial analysis software

Job description

Extension Associate - Dairy Business 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. 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 in and 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 a Dairy Business Management Specialist with the PRO-DAIRY program in the Department of Animal Science. As a member of the Farm Management Team within PRO-DAIRY, this individual will work closely with the Nutrient Management Team and lead efforts to increase understanding of the costs and performance associated with on-farm activities related to crop, manure, and environmental management. This person will also utilize experience and appropriate data tools, such as the Dairy Profit Monitor and Dairy Farm Business Summary program, to work directly with dairy farms to support business management education programs and the peer-to-peer business focused discussion group program.

Design, implement, and publish results from applied research projects that advance knowledge in dairy business management and inform evidence-based extension programming with a focus on costs and performance of practices being adopted by dairy farms associated with crop, manure, and environmental management.

Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and extension educators within PRO-DAIRY and the nutrient management team to integrate research findings into statewide educational programs and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, consisting of but not limited to involvement in program development, educational material preparation, speaking at industry meetings. Work with local and regional extension educators to meet the educational needs of dairy producers across the state by leading efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, identify emerging industry needs, and develop educational strategies to enhance dairy farm sustainability and profitability.

This position is full-time and will be based in Ithaca, New York, with options for being housed elsewhere, within NY State, if appropriate. Extensive travel (approximately 45% of time) and overnights will be required throughout New York State with this state‑wide position. This is a one‑year appointment, renewable up to three‑years based on successful performance, available work, and funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

Program Leadership: 40%

In collaboration with PRO-DAIRY Farm Management & Nutrient Management Leaders and other PRO-DAIRY staff, provide strategic leadership, program design and implementation for applied research and modeling initiatives to develop further understanding of the costs and performances of activities being adopted by farms in the crop, manure, and environmental management areas.

Program Management: 25%

Build and maintain extension relationships with individual dairy businesses and agri‑service providers by providing educational programs to increase understanding of financial data generated by Activity Analysis Projects, Dairy Farm Business Summary & Analysis Project and the Dairy Profit Monitor.

Data Analysis/Assessment: 25%

Collect farm level and activity data, analyze data to determine key findings, and report findings through appropriate channels.

Collaboration: 5%

Participate in planning meetings, help develop program materials, and attend events as needed in support and collaboration with other PRO-DAIRY staff or regional teams on programs of mutual interest.

Personal and Professional Development: 5%

To support building and maintaining relationships with the dairy industry in the state, pursue industry affiliations, seminars, and workshops of interest with a goal of bringing increased value to programs.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in dairy management, agricultural science or business with an agricultural background and 2+ years of experience.
• Proficiency in use of computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and farm financial analysis software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong data analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of farm budgets, including structure, preparation, calculation, and review.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• A commitment to quality service, collaborative decision making, and teamwork.
• Ability to deliver creative solutions.
• Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Ability to set priorities and anticipate potential issues.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and manage competing deadlines.
• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position, including having reliable transportation and maintaining a valid driver’s license and registering with Agile/Fleet Commander.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in economics with an agricultural production focus preferred.
• Strong interest in participating in industry‑based research in cooperation with commercial dairy farms.
• Demonstrated experience working within production agriculture analyzing financial performance.
• Practical understanding of conservation practices being utilized on commercial dairy farms.

Supervision Exercised

This position will not formally supervise others.

To apply

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31660.

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references via the website.

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

CALS hiring range

$80,000 - $83,527.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

Employment Assistance

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the recruiter listed in the job posting or email [e-mail].

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 Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255‑2242, or email at [e-mail].

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