Agricultural Stewardship Technician, Riverhead, NY in New York State

Cornell Cooperative Extension

The CCE Agricultural Stewardship Program focuses on developing, educating, and implementing best management practices to minimize the impact of agricultural inputs on surface water and groundwater. The educator will provide general and technical assistance for the CCE Agricultural Stewardship Program and Agriculture Program in applied research trials, demonstration projects, and educational activities.

The educator will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and data collection for several applied research and on-farm demonstration projects. This individual will also work with Extension educators, Cornell University faculty, and USDA – Natural Resources Conservation District and Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District personnel on research, demonstration, and education projects for all agricultural and horticultural crops on Long Island.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree appropriate to the position or Associate Degree’s responsibilities and two years of transferrable program/functional experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Possession of computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, and data entry using Excel.
Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and written.
Ability to work physically in outdoor environments all-year-round.
Ability to work with people, maintain a positive and professional attitude, display commitment and enthusiasm for CCE’s mission.
Ability to prioritize tasks and provide input to others for planning and decision-making.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

B.S. in Horticulture, Plant Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, or a related science field.
Additional training in or experience with integrated pest management, field sampling, and environmental issues.
Coursework or experience with research methods and basic data analysis.
Experience with tractors and the operation of farm implements.
Experience in Cooperative Extension or similar educational field.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery – 35%

Assist in providing innovative programs and materials to advance knowledge of and adopt best management practices for agriculture and horticulture.
Interact effectively with program participants to provide programming and support.
Provide standard responses and assist, as needed, in providing moderately complex answers to questions regarding best management practices in agricultural and environmental settings.
May assist in multi-association team efforts to deliver and meet program goals and objectives.
Foster knowledge and acceptance of agricultural pest and nutrient management practices to protect ground and surface waters and preserve Suffolk County’s agricultural industry’s viability.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.

Program Evaluation – 5%

Implement end-of-year program evaluation in cooperation with CCE Research Specialists and Program Supervisor to document impacts of research and on-farm demonstration projects on farmers’ adoption of best management practices.
Communicate evaluation results and findings (oral and written) to participating farmers and other stakeholders.
May assist in designing an evaluation framework, analyzing collected program evaluation data, and making recommendations for improvements.

Applied Research – 35%

Provide technical assistance for research and on-farm demonstration projects in conjunction with the Program Supervisor and CCE’s Research Specialists.
Implement nitrogen fertilizer and pest management projects for applied research and on-farm demonstration projects as defined in the program’s goals and objectives and with the guidance of the Program Supervisor, CCE’s Research Specialists, and Cornell University faculty.
Collect data and samples specific to the project and process accordingly.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 5%

Provide details and input for further planning and delivery of educational and outreach programs to protect water quality in response to farmers’ adopting best management practices.
May provide input to the supervisor on the program’s project ideas and budget.
Under the supervisor’s guidance, initiate effective professional relationships with stakeholders, other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate continued program efforts.
Based on the details of projects delivered, provide input to supervisors on staffing needs related to projects’ workload.

Management – 5%

Problem solves and resolves any complications that might arise in the implementation and delivery of on-farm projects by using appropriate CCE policies and procedures.
May provide supervision to program staff.
As directed, may give guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.

Coordination/Operation – 10%

Organize and coordinate activities related to fieldwork or educational programs.
Perform general coordination activities, including but not limited, to working with other staff and Program Specialists.
Tasks related to the general marketing of CCE programs.
Attend and participate in staff and Stewardship Program meetings.
Assist, as needed, with making equipment/supply purchases and tracking expenditures.
Participate in Program discussions and provide input to support the implementation of mass media efforts related to the Agricultural Stewardship Program.

Professional Improvement – 5%

In cooperation with Supervisor or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities 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 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 Suffolk County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the organization’s overall success by performing all assigned duties professionally, timely, and accurately.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO,

Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary: $20.00 per hour

Schedule: Non-exempt (40 hours)

Date Position Available: Position open until filled

Benefits: Full Benefits include 21 days of vacation days per year, 3 personal days, accrued sick days, 16 holidays, health and dental insurance Program (NYSHIP), Employees’ Retirement System (New York State Retirement System -NYSLRS), Cornell University Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (CUTDAP), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Long-Term Disability, Auto/Home/Pet Insurance, Legal Insurance, Group Universal Life Insurance (GUL), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Long Term Care Insurance, and NY’s 529 College Savings Program.

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Attach/upload a resume to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the “Experience” section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the “Drop Files Here” box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the

Applying for a Job (External Candidate)
document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the

Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate)
document for additional guidance.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship is available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 ext 242 or via email at

HR-CCESuffolk@cornell.edu

Cornell Cooperative Extension collaborates with Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and New York State residents. 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.

Job Title:
Association Subject Educator I

Level:
004

Pay Rate Type:
Hourly

Company:
Seasonal College

Contact Name:
Jillian Sinanan

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.

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