Fruit Specialist - Riverhead, NY

Cornell University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 64,800 - 79,200; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in New York is seeking an Educator for applied research and educational support focusing on sustainable practices in wine grape, tree fruit, and small fruit production. The role involves developing research-based programs and managing budgets for projects within the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center.

Qualified candidates should hold a Master’s in horticulture or agriculture, with demonstrable experience in cooperative extension and strong leadership skills. This position offers an annual salary of $72,000, with a typical work schedule of 40 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in cooperative extension or equivalent educational experience.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying climatic and field conditions.
• Possession of a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license or able to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver research-based educational programs.
• Manage program resources and budgets.
• Facilitate on-farm demonstrations and applied research trials.

Skills

Leadership and management abilities

Effective communication

Proficiency in computer skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work flexible hours

Education

Master’s degree in horticulture or agriculture

Job description

A wide variety of agricultural commodities thrive in Long Island’s maritime climate including fruits, vegetables, field ornamentals and greenhouse crops. Agriculture plays a large role in the tourist economy of the East End of Long Island as visitors patronize wineries, farmstands, U‑pick operations and agri‑tainment businesses. This position will focus on applied research and educational support for wine grape, tree fruit and small fruit growers.

The time dedicated to each commodity area will be approximately 70% for wine grape, 15% for tree fruit and 15% for small fruit, respectively.

This person will develop and deliver research‑based educational programs focused on sustainable production practices, pest and disease management, climate resiliency, soil and nutrient management, vineyard and orchard management, labor efficiency and emerging technologies. Research and demonstration projects will be located at the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center in Riverhead, a Cornell University 70‑acre farm. The Educator will also facilitate on‑farm demonstrations, applied research trials and industry collaborations, and serve as a subject‑matter resource to program committees, CCE staff, Cornell University specialists, clientele, agencies, press and other groups on a local and regional basis.

Responsibilities also include seeking grant funding and managing program resources and budgets in support of the position and program’s activities.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in horticulture or agriculture with emphasis on plant physiology, production, and/or pest management.
• Relevant experience in cooperative extension or equivalent educational experience in an academic, organizational or industry setting.
• Experience and ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team member with staff, cooperating agencies and Suffolk County personnel.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities for supervising staff.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels; and verbally and in writing with external partners, program participants, employees and others.
• Proficiency with computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and data entry, information access and data analysis.
• Ability to practice sound, ethical judgment when representing CCE Suffolk to ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to policy, legal and safety requirements.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying climatic and field conditions common to farm operations and horticultural work environments.
• Ability to design, conduct and interpret scientifically sound experiments.
• Possession of, or able to obtain, a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in Cooperative Extension.
• Two years of experience in the field of viticulture, tree fruit and/or small fruit.
• Course work in viticulture, fruit science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, pest and/or nutrient management.
• Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets.
• Experience in business planning, labor issues, energy and environmental stewardship as related to the respective industries.

Position Details

Salary: $72,000 annual. Schedule: EXEMPT – Reg: 40hr/wk. No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.