Fruit Specialist - Riverhead, NY

A wide variety of agricultural commodities thrive in Long Island’s maritime climate including fruits, vegetables, field ornamentals and greenhouse crops. Agriculture plays a large role in the tourist economy of the East End of Long Island as visitors patronize wineries, farmstands, U-pick operations and agri-tainment businesses. This position will focus on applied research and educational support for wine grape, tree fruit and small fruit growers. The time dedicated to each commodity area will be approximately 70%, 15% and 15%, respectively. This position will develop and deliver research-based educational programs focused on sustainable production practices, pest and disease management, climate resiliency, soil and nutrient management, vineyard and orchard management, labor efficiency and emerging technologies. Research and demonstration projects will be located at the Long Island Horticultural Research & Extension Center in Riverhead, a Cornell University 70-acre farm. The Educator will also facilitate on-farm demonstrations, applied research trials and industry collaborations. The individual filling this position will serve as a subject matter resource to program committees, CCE staff, Cornell University specialists, clientele, agencies, press and other groups on a local and regional basis. This person must have the ability to seek grant funding and manage program resources and budgets in support of the position and program’s activities. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Master’s degree in horticulture or agriculture with emphasis on plant physiology, production, and/or pest management. · Relevant experience in cooperative extension or equivalent educational experience in an academic, organizational or industry setting. · Experience and ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team member with staff, cooperating agencies and Suffolk County personnel. · Demonstrated leadership and management abilities for supervising staff. · Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual channels; and verbally and in writing with external partners, program participants, employees and others. · Proficiency with computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheet and data entry, information access and data analysis. · Ability to practice sound, ethical judgment when representing CCE Suffolk to ensure that all protocols and procedures adhere to policy, legal and safety requirements. · Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. · Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate. · Ability to work outdoors in varying climatic and field conditions common to farm operations and horticultural work environments. · Ability to design, conduct and interpret scientifically sound experiments. · Possession of, or able to obtain, a NYS Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s license. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: · Two years of experience in Cooperative Extension. · Two years of experience in the field of viticulture, tree fruit and/or small fruit. · Course work in viticulture, fruit science, soil science, plant pathology, entomology, weed science, pest and/or nutrient management. · Experience in grant writing and overseeing budgets. · Experience in business planning, labor issues, energy and environmental stewardship as related to the respective industries. POSITION DETAILS: Salary: $72,000 annual Schedule: EXEMPT – Reg: 40hr/wk No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available HOW TO APPLY: Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained. Applicants need to: Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance. Internal Applicants : Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance. The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 or via email at Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit . Job Title: Association Resource Educator Level: 002 Pay Rate Type: Salary Company: Contract College Contact Name: Ashley Downs 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.