Extension Support Specialist II- Dairy Business Management Specialist

The Opportunity

As a university founded to be a place where "?any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion and belonging are at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

As an individual contributor you will model and support a culture of inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing and continually seek to understand how your role, behaviors, and actions impact the success of this culture.

While position responsibilities vary greatly, the Skills for Success and Leadership Skills for Success are foundational to what is expected of every employee and leader working at Cornell. These skills are essential for individual and organizational success. Staff Skills for Success; Leadership Skills for Success

About the College

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.

The Department of Animal Science offers undergraduate and graduate programs on the biology and management of food, laboratory, and companion animal species. Our research programs advance our understanding of animal biology and address local and global issues facing animal industries today. Our goals are to discover and develop new techniques and information to benefit animals, agriculture, and human health. The Department?s 17 faculty members, many internationally recognized, have diverse interests in animal management, breeding, genetics, physiology, nutrition, growth biology, and microbiology.

For over 30 years PRO-DAIRY has linked New York?s dairy farmers and agribusiness professionals to critical research and resources, giving them the information they need to build and manage robust businesses. PRO-DAIRY?s contributions to educational programming and applied research have helped New York farmers continue to lead in milk production and remain among the top dairy states. According to national agriculture statistics, New York has been a national leader in dairy growth for the past 10 years. Through its research, discussion groups, educational programs, financial analysis, websites, publications and personal contacts, the Cornell University based program reaches thousands of dairy professionals annually.

This position will have responsibilities with the Dairy Farm Business Summary and Analysis Program (DFBS), the longest on-going applied research program within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. These responsibilities encompass administrative support of the program, working directly with participating farms to compete annual data collection/analysis, conducting applied research data analysis, publishing extension bulletins, developing educational programs materials, designing and implementing improvements to program, and efforts to maintain/promote the program. Serve as a liaison between the DFBS program and provide coordination with the program director, faculty, Pro-Dairy staff, county and regional extension educators and industry professionals in support of the program. In addition, this position also provides support to the ongoing improvements to the Dairy Profit Monitor program, maintains the monthly dairy market watch reports, assists in coordinating and facilitating discussion group programs, and lead efforts to develop and assist in conducting activity analysis projects in support of applied research. This position requires the incumbent to work directly with dairy producers throughout the state and their advisors.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Ithaca, New York. Extensive travel (approximately 20-40% of time depending on time of year) will be required throughout New York State with overnight stays. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

What We Need

• Bachelor?s Degree in dairy management or business with an agricultural background and 3-5 years of experience interacting directly with dairy producers in applied dairy financial analysis, dairy business management, farm business management or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in use of computer programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and farm financial analysis software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Possess strong data analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• A commitment to quality service, collaborative decision making, and teamwork
• Ability to deliver creative solutions
• Ability to work well with a diverse group in a professional and respectful work environment.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Ability to set priorities and anticipate potential issues.
• Excellent organization skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects.
• 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.
• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.