The Cornell Small
Farms Program and Northeast Beginning Farmers Project are hiring a full-time
Project Coordinator for two new beginning farmer initiatives.
Job
Description
Beginning
Farmer Project Coordinator
Extension
Support Specialist I (Band E/Exempt/39 hours week)
Department
of Horticulture
College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Ithaca,
NY
The Cornell Small
Farm Program (SFP) engages in research and extension projects and collaborations
that support and enhance the viability of small farms in New York. This
Coordinator will support the Northeast Beginning Farmer (NEBF) Project, a major
SFP effort focused on beginning farmer training, their support networks, and
informational resources.
The department is
currently searching for a Project Coordinator who will oversee all aspects of a
USDA project designed to 1) facilitate military veterans entering into farming
as a career, and 2) improve long-term viability of "advanced" beginning farmers
(defined as farmers operating 3-10 years). Facilitate the development and
implementation of project work plans by collaborators for each component of the
project, coordinate timelines, manage relationships, and synthesize evaluation
data into reports. Lead the outreach for the overall project, publicizing
events and impacts of the project and collaborating with the SFP outreach staff
to achieve these goals. Convene advisory groups for all aspects of the
work.
The Project
Coordinator will also implement specific projects to provide training for
beginning farmer service providers and collaborate with other organizations and
individuals to develop new informational resources for beginning farmers. Work
closely with the SFP Beginning Farmer Project Manager and the SFP Director to
insure participation and engagement of partners and stakeholders and share
outcomes with other organizations nationally.
The coordinator
will work very independently, making decisions to foster the success of the
project and to achieve the desired outcomes. These decisions will often require
creativity as well as a good understanding of the abilities and resources of
project collaborators. Develop and implement surveys that will target farmers,
educators and others interested in supporting beginning farmers, and help the
collaborators use this information to modify work plans and tasks. Monthly
travel and overnight trips to visit with project collaborators around NY state
are expected.
The Project
Coordinator will be a full member of the SFP staff and is expected to develop
close working relationships with all of the other SFP Associates, participating
in staff meetings and other SFP events. Will also represent the Project and
Program at state meetings and provide presentations to farmers and other
stakeholders about the SFP efforts. Contributions to the monthly SFP
e-newsletter and quarterly magazine expected. Responsible for supervising 1-2
undergraduate students and supporting project
collaborators.
This position is
renewable annually, based upon performance and funding. The position is
currently supported by a 3-year USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development
Program (BFRDP) grant.
Qualifications
Required:
•
Bachelor's degree
in agriculture, communication, education, biology, natural resources, or related
field preferred.
•
Two-three years'
experience in public education, either formal or informal, as well as
demonstrated understanding of farming.
•
Proven skills in
project management and coordination are essential
•
Must be able to
work with diverse audiences and partners, both independently and as part of a
team
•
Excellent
communication skills, including writing and public speaking.
•
Good working
knowledge and experience with current software, such as MS Office, Qualtrics,
PowerPoint.
•
Must be
personable, flexible and possess excellent organizational skills.
•
Excellent customer
service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of
people is essential.
•
Must have the
ability to multi-task and prioritize.
•
Ability to work
well and establish effective working relationships with a wide variety of
faculty, staff, and students while creating a high-quality and respectful work
environment.
•
Must be
comfortable working in an environment where change in process is the
norm.
•
Must have and
maintain a valid NYS Driver's License and be willing to travel with occasional
overnight trips being required.
Preferred:
•
Master's degree in
agriculture, education, communications, natural resources, or related field
preferred.
•
Minimum of 3 years
of direct farm experience and/or experience providing services to beginning
farmers strongly preferred.
•
Enthusiasm for
supporting entry into farming as a career is a plus
Background check
may be required. No relocation assistance is provided for this position. Visa
sponsorship is not available for this position.
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