Ag Economic Development Specialist-Oriskany,NY

Job description

The Ag Economic Development Specialist will concentrate efforts on enhancing the economic viability of agricultural enterprises in Oneida County. The primary audience for programming includes agricultural producers and related service providers; new entrepreneurs in production, processing and agriculture related businesses including agricultural tourism; and community members whose support of agriculture is important. Projects include a focus on enhancing the viability of local agriculture through product diversification, direct marketing, promotion of local product labels and value-added opportunities by linking with available expertise including other local and regional Extension staff and Cornell University faculty. This person will work with and coordinate a variety of agriculture and community stakeholders to implement Oneida County’s Ag and Farmland Protection Plan. Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, economics, marketing, business, or related field. Working knowledge and experience related to agriculture and farming. Ability to plan, manage, and/or implement projects and educational programs. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (verbally and written) with and provide guidance to a variety of groups, including community partners, community members, agricultural stakeholders, government officials, and CCE staff to meet individual and community needs. Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to manage grant projects and contracts. Demonstrated competencies in communicating via electronic technologies and software. At least one year of professional experience dealing with the public or private sectors of agricultural industry and/or promoting and enhancing agricultural development within the context of more general county and region-wide economic development goals and vision. Capacity to link industry and producer needs with available expertise and to apply expert information to local situations. Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel). Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with staff. Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. Ability to meet acceptable background check standards. Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. Program Responsibilities: Program Development- 5% Apply subject matter knowledge to provide input in the creation of innovative educational programs around agricultural economic development. Support the research, identification, and selection of existing resources for the program. Create program materials to address client needs in local farming communities. Interpret Association program direction to create educational programs, ensuring program development is within local and statewide Plans of Work. Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units and regional ag communities for program development guidance. Program Delivery- 25% Apply subject matter expertise of agricultural business development in the delivery of educational programming in a variety of methodologies including teaching program participants via workshops, on-on-one consultations, and mass media. Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs. Serve as subject matter resource in agricultural marketing and business development to provide moderately complex nonstandard responses to questions specific to individual farms/businesses. Interact with farmers and business owners in a professional manner as part of program delivery, helping them meet their desired goals. Implement Farmland Protection Plan as part of program delivery. Represent CCE before the public and local agricultural community, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery. May be actively involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-association team efforts to deliver program. Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program delivery guidance. Ensure program delivery is within scope of the local and statewide Plans of Work. Program Evaluation-5% Interact with program participants, association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving program offerings. Analyze collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods. Communicate evaluation results and findings with appropriate parties. Assist with recommendations for change(s) to strengthen and improve programmatic offerings. Administrative Responsibilities: Direction – 25% Plan the delivery of program goals and priorities surrounding agricultural business development and marketing using a variety of methods and based on the Association Plan of Work and community needs identified in the Farmland Protection Plan and Ag Strategic Plan. Identify activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects. Provide supervisor with program related information to assist with budget development process and assist supervisor with allocating budget amounts. Plan effective external and internal program communication & marketing efforts to promote and coordinate program objectives. Plan to meet the objectives of the Farmland Protection Plan actionable items. Assist with development of grant ideas, programs, and narrative. Management – 25 % Provide guidance on the assigned educational program and program activities to ensure they conform to the Association’s Plan of Work. Monitor program to ensure educational content conforms to guidelines, policies, and objectives of the association and is research-based. Monitor income/expenses to ensure spending is within budget constraints. Identify, develop, and enhance relationships with agricultural producers and providers, agricultural entrepreneurs, organizations, businesses, and community leaders for the program. Compile existing resources in agricultural business development and marketing into educational program materials. Guide the implementation of communication strategies. Effectively allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives. Demonstrate judgement and discretion to independently solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. Coordination/Operation – 10% Compile existing resources in agricultural business development and marketing into educational program materials. Work alongside Oneida County Planning Department to facilitate Farmland Protection Board meetings. Assist supervisor with coordination of Ag & AED Advisory Committee meetings. Provide information for preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary. Assist in coordinating program implementation activities and planning efforts. Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, industries, organizations, businesses, and community leaders promoting effective communication and facilitating continued programmatic efforts. Collect evaluation and program needs assessment data from program participants based on existing evaluation framework and guidelines. Professional Improvement & Other Duties as Assigned – 5% In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities. Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position. Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality. 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 any 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. Position Details: Expected Weekly Hours : 40 hours per week- Onsite Position. Wage: Annual Salary of $65,000-$67,000 per year Location: Oneida County CCE office in Oriskany, NY . No remote work available. Benefits: Great Benefits; including spectacular time off! • NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance) • NYS Retirement!!! • Long-Term Disability Insurance • Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan • Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts • Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance • Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance • Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance • Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance • Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance • Voluntary Pet Insurance 12 Paid holidays, 2 floating holidays (can be used at any time of year),21 vacation days, 4 personal days and 15 sick days per year Job Title: Association Program Manager Level: 003 Pay Rate Type: Salary Company: Contract College Contact Name: Regina Lowder 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. 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.