Extension Associate - Beef Production and Management Specialist

Overview The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is Cornell University's second largest college, focusing on research, education, and outreach in agriculture and life sciences. This position contributes to addressing challenges related to nutritious food, healthy environments, and prosperous communities. Position Function This Extension Associate will serve as a livestock educator specializing in beef cattle production and management within the PRO-LIVESTOCK program. The role focuses on delivering an integrated educational program on beef cattle production and business analysis for producers, beginning farmers, and other industry clientele. Collaboration with Cornell faculty, statewide specialists, and Cooperative Extension educators is essential. Division of Time and Responsibilities Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (50%) Lead planning, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs addressing diverse producer needs and opportunities with an emphasis on beef production and business planning, including grazing, grain finishing, market readiness, resources for beginning farmers, and promotion of the Beef Quality Assurance program. Provide frameworks for producers and industry to analyze production and management alternatives and maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best‑management practices. Plan and implement programs using direct teaching, group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning. Consult one‑on‑one with key producers and industry partners on program development and problem solving. Analyze and evaluate major program efforts with partner input, recommend enhancements, and communicate results. Prepare quarterly reports, impact statements, and yearly success stories on program progress. Applied Research (15%) Initiate and conduct applied research and field demonstrations with regional and statewide implications in commercial beef production as an educational outreach strategy. Participate in statewide, collaborative research projects with university and extension faculty, staff, agencies, and organizations. Define and implement reporting mechanisms for producer‑focused measurable outcomes. Meet the evaluation and reporting requirements of funding partners. Teaching (15%) The teaching component includes one course annually, typically ANSC 3600 Beef Cattle (Spring) or ANSC 3500 Meat (Fall). Responsibilities include overall course leadership, material development, exam creation, and course‑related student support. Management (10%) Responsible for routine operations, reporting and accountability. Support team efforts to communicate effectively with stakeholders and partners. Support regional and statewide event planning and implementation. Explore and pursue new funding sources to enhance program opportunities. Promote teamwork. Organizational Leadership (5%) Support Cornell and Extension system‑wide initiatives through participation in work teams, committees, and advisory groups. Attend meetings, provide ideas and recommendations, and foster collaboration among faculty, peers, and industry. Participate in regional, statewide, and national workgroups related to Cornell and Extension commercial livestock activities. Establish positive relationships with support stakeholders. Professional Development (5%) Attend professional development opportunities, conferences, and workshops appropriate to program and personal skill enhancement. Maintain and build required administrative and technical skills. Participate in regional, statewide, and national professional organizations. Required Qualifications Master's degree in agriculture with a major in Animal Science or closely related fields. 2+ years of relevant experience in agribusiness, livestock, field crops, cooperative extension, or related areas. Experience conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating applied research results. Proficiency in current technology tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, internet, social media). Knowledge of commercial livestock production principles, theory, and research. Organizational and time‑management skills. Experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support. Ability to conduct applied research and demonstration projects. Strong interpersonal skills for diverse audiences, advisory boards, community, and funding partners. Leadership and teamwork skills. Effective written and verbal communication skills. Creativity, energy, motivation, and enthusiasm. Can meet travel requirements, have reliable transportation or a valid NYS driver’s license. Can work evenings and weekends as required. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in agriculture with a major in Animal Science or related fields. 5+ years of relevant experience. 2+ years of beef production experience. Pay Range The CALS hiring range for this title is $84,000 – $90,000, with compensation determined based on prior relevant work or industry experience, education level, academic discipline, and unique applicable skills. To Apply Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references through the university website. Applications will be reviewed as received until a suitable applicant is identified. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or be subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, race, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy‑related conditions, age, creed, religion, disability, arrest or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit and encourage people from historically under‑represented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined by VEVRAA and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr