"Extension Associate - Dairy Business Management Specialist"

Position Function

This individual will be a Dairy Business Management Specialist with the PRO-DAIRY program in the Department of Animal Science. As a member of the Farm Management Team within PRO-DAIRY, this individual will work closely with the Nutrient Management Team and lead efforts to increase understanding of the costs and performance associated with on-farm activities related to crop, manure, and environmental management. This person will also utilize experience and appropriate data tools, such as the Dairy Profit Monitor and Dairy Farm Business Summary program, to work directly with dairy farms to support business management education programs and the peer-to-peer business focused discussion group program.

Design, implement, and publish results from applied research projects that advance knowledge in dairy business management and inform evidence-based extension programming with a focus on costs and performance of practices being adopted by dairy farms associated with crop, manure, and environmental management.

Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and extension educators within PRO-DAIRY and the nutriment management team to integrate research findings into statewide educational programs and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives, consisting of but not limited to involvement in program development, educational material preparation, speaking at industry meetings. Work with local and regional extension educators to meet the educational needs of dairy producers across the state by leading efforts to evaluate program effectiveness, identify emerging industry needs, and develop educational strategies to enhance dairy farm sustainability and profitability.

This position is full-time and will be based in Ithaca, New York, with options for being housed elsewhere, within NY State, if appropriate. Extensive travel (approximately 45% of time) and overnights will be required throughout New York State with this state-wide position. This is a one-year appointment, renewable up to three-years based on successful performance, available work, and funding.

Anticipated Division of Time

• Program Leadership: 40% In collaboration with PRO-DAIRY Farm Management & Nutrient Management Leaders and other PRO-DAIRY staff, provide strategic leadership, program design and implementation for applied research and modeling initiatives to develop further understanding of the costs and performances of activities being adopted by farms in the crop, manure, and environmental management areas.
• Program Management: 25% With a focus of direct industry involvement, build and maintain extension relationships with individual dairy businesses and agri-service providers by providing educational programs to increase understanding of financial data generated by Activity Analysis Projects, Dairy Farm Business Summary & Analysis Project and the Dairy Profit Monitor.
• Data Analysis/Assessment: 25% As part of applied research activities, collect farm level and activity data, analyze data to determine key findings, and report findings through appropriate channels.
• Collaboration: 5% Participate in planning meetings, help develop program materials, and attend events as needed in support and collaboration with other PRO-DAIRY staff or regional teams on programs of mutual interest.
• Personal and Professional Development: 5% To support building and maintaining relationships with the dairy industry in the state, pursue industry affiliations, seminars, and workshops of interest with a goal of bringing increased value to programs.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in economics with an agricultural production focus preferred.
• Strong interest in participating in industry-based research in cooperation with commercial dairy farms.
• Demonstrated experience working within production agricultural analyzing financial performance.
• Practical understanding of conservation practices being utilized on commercial dairy farms

Supervision Exercised
This position will not formally supervise others

To apply:

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

Applications will be reviewed as received, continuing until a suitable applicant is identified.

CALS hiring range for this title is $80,000 - $83,527.