Area Dairy Management Specialist

Area Dairy Management 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 Area Dairy Management Specialist, you will provide producers and agri-service industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices. You will work with producers to assess production and demonstrate principles and practices that will lead to maximizing quality, profitability, and sustainability. Additionally, you will focus on workforce development issues with farm employees in English and Spanish. Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching through group experiences, workshops, 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 dairy production.
• Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension, and the Dairy and Field Crops Industries.
• Individually and 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 the dairy industry in New York State and realizes the importance of building relationships with producers and processors. In this role, you will work with producers 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 from an accredited institution with a major in Dairy Science, Dairy Management, Dairy Nutrition, or Education or related discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating and communicating the results of applied research.
• Proficient in Spanish.
• Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and Social Media).
• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• 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.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• 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.

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 in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the dairy industry in Western New York.

This position is full-time and will be located in the CCE Ontario 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 one-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.

To apply:

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

Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2026.