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: natural and human systems; food, energy and environmental resources; and social, physical and economic well-being.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University. Programmatically, Cornell Cooperative Extension connects the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Human Ecology (CHE) with 55 off-campus Associations, Integrated Pest Management, New York State Sea Grant, Area Specialists, and CCE New York City.

The Harvest New York Team focuses on workforce development and business expansion projects that increase profitability and investment in key sectors of New York’s agriculture industry. Harvest New York Specialists respond to emerging issues and develop new opportunities using the research of Cornell University, the resources of Cornell Cooperative Extension and relationships with partnering organizations statewide. This position with Harvest New York has a primary focus on the six partner counties in the North Country Regional Agriculture Team (Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, and Essex Counties), along with some state-wide responsibilities.

The meat processing industry in New York is currently experiencing growth and added interest in the production and availability of locally sourced products, particularly in northern New York. The prospect of new processing capacity in both Northern New York and in other parts of New York as well as the need for enhanced educational programs on food safety, value added products and niche market support the need for this position. This position will be embedded with the North Country Regional Agriculture Team as well as the Dairy Foods Extension and Food Venture Center Teams and work directly with the meats processing industry in Northern New York. Program will coordinate educational opportunities with staff and faculty at SUNY institutions when appropriate.

• Provide the meats processing and distribution industries with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess production and management practices that will enhance economic development in the livestock and meats industries.

• Support the development of a workforce for the livestock processing and distribution industries.

• Regularly plan, implement and evaluate educational programs that address research and industry identified needs and opportunities; develop and enhance partnerships as well as collaborate with industry producers and agribusiness.

• Deliver one-on-one consultations with key producers, processors and industry partners related to program initiatives and available resources.

• Support processor’s regulatory compliance on topics such as Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).

• Communicate evaluation results, findings, and recommendations to program partners and funders.

• Define and implement reporting mechanisms from the programmatic efforts.

• Support communication efforts with stakeholders through newsletters, quarterly reports, news releases, and social media.

• Build and maintain effective relationships with producers, processors, consultants, faculty and other industry representatives.

• Participate in work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the meat processing industry.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Livestock Production or closely related discipline from an accredited institution and 3+ years of relevant work experience in meats processing and livestock production or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.

• Ability to work effectively with industry, economic development groups, advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners and other stakeholders.

• Proven organizational and time-management skills.

• Able to work in a fast paced environment and to quickly adjust to change and changing priorities.

• Ability to interpret and communicate applied research and demonstration projects.

• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet and Web development).

• 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.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.

• Must exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.

• Masters or PhD in Food Science or closely related discipline.

• Experience and / or formal training in marketing and product development.

• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the livestock and meat industries in New York State and northern New York.

• Knowledge of the philosophy, objectives and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.

• Successful experience obtaining new funding including grants and industry support.

• Appreciation of Agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.

When applying through our system, please remember to attach your application materials (Resume/Cover Letter/CV) 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. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to create a profile online please click here as an external candidate or click here if you are an internal candidate.

No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell’s far-flung global presence includes the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the new Cornell Tech campus to be built on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

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