Small Farms and Livestock Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); CCE Ontario County Office

Small Farms and Livestock Specialist

Extension Associate

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

CCE Ontario County Office

Who We Are

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University's role as New York State's Land Grant University. The Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program provides opportunities and information to producers, processors, and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably for dairy, field crop and livestock operations, contributing to the viability of farms and the economic well-being of New York State.

What You Will Do

As the Small Farms and Livestock Specialist, you will deliver an integrated educational program to operators/owners of small farms, specifically those with less than $250,000 gross income in the region. You will provide commercial producers, associated industries, and beginning farmers with the knowledge and educational resources in livestock production and management. Additionally, you will collaborate in the development and delivery of educational programs with colleagues. Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, and use of the internet.

• Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial livestock production.

• Preparing quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress and accomplishments.

• Participating in regional, statewide, and national work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, and the Commercial Dairy, Field Crops and Livestock Industries, including the Cornell Small Farm Program.

• Collaboratively explore and pursue new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.

• Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts.

What We Need

We are looking for a dynamic individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates small farms in New York State and realizes the importance of building relationships with beginning farmers. In this role, you will work with farmers across several counties in the Northwest region of New York and contribute to multiple teams while developing a unique and impactful extension and applied research program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master's Degree in Agriculture from an accredited institution with a major in Animal Science or closely associated fields.

• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Livestock and/or Field Crops Production, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.

• Coursework in Animal and Economic Sciences, Marketing, Labor Management, Adult Education, and Communications.

• Familiarity with production evaluation software.

• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.

• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Social Media).

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles, theory, and research in commercial livestock production and business management.

• Proven organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to collaborate on new funding, including grants and industry support.

• Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with audiences in group and one-on-one settings, working effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

• Must be able to meet the travel requirements of the position and have reliable transportation as well as have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver's license and be cleared to drive for university business.

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience.

• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices of dairy, field crops, and livestock farm businesses.

• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.

• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.

This position is full-time and will be located in the Northwest New York region with office space in a partner county office. This position is considered hybrid, with the opportunity to work remotely within New York State one or more days per week.

This is a three-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability initiatives.

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $72,000.00 to $74,000.00.

• Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30428).

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

Applications must be submitted by September 30, 2025.

For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team can be found at https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

Cornell's regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of "any person, any study,"Cornell is anequal opportunity employer.

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