Food Systems Specialist -Oriskany, NY

Cornell University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NYS Health Insurance Program

Dental Insurance

NYS Retirement

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Vacation days

Paid holidays

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Food Systems Specialist to strengthen local food systems in New York. This role focuses on connecting Upstate New York producers with New York City consumers while advancing beneficial initiatives in agriculture.

The position requires strong communication and project management skills, as well as experience in agriculture. The ideal candidate will work onsite, engaging with community partners to enhance food access and a resilient economy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, or marketing.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and educational programs.
• Experience in the public or private agricultural sector.
• Ability to work flexible hours and frequently travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials.
• Coordinate relationships with stakeholders and partners.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend changes.
• Guide program activities and ensure compliance with budgets.
• Maintain communication and prepare reports.

Skills

Project management

Effective communication

Agricultural knowledge

Multitasking

Grant management

Computer proficiency

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Food Systems Specialist will concentrate efforts on broadening the scope of the local and state food system network. This position plays a key role in advancing initiatives that strengthen connections between Upstate New York producers and New York City consumers, helping to expand market opportunities for Upstate New York farms, improve access to locally produced foods, and support a more resilient food system. The specialist will participate in, coordinate, and assist with initiatives to strengthen the local food system economic infrastructure, enabling an efficient, sustainable food corridor within New York State. The role requires working independently with a high level of autonomy while building and maintaining relationships with government officials, agricultural organizations, and community partners to support New York State food systems.

Responsibilities

• Program Development - 5%: apply subject matter knowledge to create educational programs, support research, identify resources, create materials, and maintain linkage with Cornell and regional ag communities.
• Program Delivery - 30%: deliver educational programming through workshops, consultations, and media; foster program acceptance; provide marketing and business development support; interact with stakeholders; coordinate relationships; represent CCE verbally; ensure alignment with state and local Plans of Work.
• Program Evaluation - 5%: collect and analyze evaluation data, report findings, and recommend changes to strengthen program offerings.
• Administrative Responsibilities:
  • Direction - 25%: plan delivery, identify activities and resources, support budgeting, communicate externally and internally, develop grant ideas, and plan marketing strategies.
  • Management - 25%: guide program activities, monitor compliance and budget, develop stakeholder network, solve problems, allocate resources, and implement communication strategies.
  • Coordination/Operation - 5%: maintain materials, communicate via newsletters, abide by grant timeline, collect data, prepare reports, coordinate implementation, transport materials, and submit expenses.
• Professional Improvement & Other Duties - 5%: develop a professional development plan, attend trainings, support Extension activities, maintain attendance and punctuality, and support health and safety.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, economics, marketing, business, or a related field.
• Working knowledge and experience related to agriculture and farming.
• Ability to plan, manage, and/or implement projects and educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with community partners, stakeholders, government officials, and CCE staff.
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritize, and work as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage grant projects and contracts.
• Ability to meet frequent travel requirements associated with the position.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and/or weekends.
• Demonstrated competency in electronic communication and software tools.
• At least one year of professional experience in the public or private agricultural sector, promoting development within regional economic goals.
• Capacity to link industry and producer needs with available expertise and apply that information locally.
• Experience and knowledge of challenges facing agriculture locally in New York State.
• Proficiency in using internet and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel).
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cooperative Extension or similar educational organizations.

Position Details

• Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week, onsite position.
• Wage: Annual salary of $65,000 - $70,000.
• Location: Oneida County CCE office in Oriskany, NY. No remote work available.
• Benefits:
  • NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)
  • NYS Retirement
  • 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
  • Paid holidays: 12 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays (usable any time of year)
  • Vacation: 21 vacation days, 4 personal days, and 15 sick days per year