Extension Support Specialist II- Bilingual Small Farm Educator- Horticulture Section- School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS)

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Department Background:

About SIPS: The CALS School of Integrative of Plant Science (SIPS) encompasses five fields: Horticulture, Plant Biology, Plant Breeding & Genetics, Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, and Soil and Crop Sciences. Combined there are 100+ faculty, ~200 undergraduate majors, 200+ graduate students in six fields, and 600+ other employees located in Ithaca, Geneva, and other satellite locations across New York State. The School offers the multidisciplinary undergraduate major in the Plant Sciences and is also home to the Agricultural Sciences major. School faculty also contribute to the Biology, Global Development, and Viticulture & Enology majors.

About the CSFP: The Cornell Small Farms Program (CSFP) is housed within SIPS. We work primarily with small farm owners, farm employees, aspiring and new farmers, urban growers, and those who provide services to small farms. We help farmers get expert assistance to facilitate all phases of small farm business development, from initial growth to optimization to maturity.

The position is located within the School of Integrative Plant Science (SIPS). Participate in planning and delivery and/or development of short- and long-range educational programs within an assigned subject matter area(s). Analyze and evaluate programs; make recommendations to supervisor for strengthening and improving programs; assist with implementation of administrative and program management activities. Oversee specialized educations program, facilitate and provide training to building local, regional, state and national networks to promote program Analyze data and prepare reports; make recommendations for programs based on analysis and complete quarterly reports. Identify and develop new funding sources, assist with preparation of writing grant proposals. Develop and market appropriate teaching aids and materials with Community partners. Participate in mass media efforts related to the program; write and edit materials such as press releases, research findings, manuscripts, social media and website content. Represent programs/projects to community agencies and maintain collaborative relationship. Identify and structure programs that address community and individual needs, taking into account the diversity of the community; identify and conduct focus groups to identify program needs. Recruit volunteers; provide assistance in developing their leadership skills. Participate in budget and program management and development; prepare year end data for reporting requirements.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This is a one-year term appointment that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on-site 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Reward and Benefits:

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Our benefits program includes comprehensive health care options, access to wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, and generous retirement contributions. Our leave provisions include three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays: e.g., an end-of-year winter break, from December 25th through January 1st. Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program. More on Cornell Benefits

Position Summary:

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Summary of position responsibilities: The Cornell Small Farms Program engages in research and extension projects and creates resources to support anyone farming or seeking to farm in NYS. The Bilingual Small Farm Educator will provide technical assistance, training, and culturally responsive support to multiple audiences served by the program, including Spanish-first farmers. Support will focus on diversified crop production, farm planning, and agricultural resilience strategies. This role bridges agricultural production education with community-centered engagement to strengthen the success and sustainability of small farms.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Summary of position responsibilities: The Cornell Small Farms Program engages in research and extension projects and creates resources to support anyone farming or seeking to farm in NYS. The Bilingual Small Farm Educator will provide technical assistance, training, and culturally responsive support to multiple audiences served by the program, including Spanish-first farmers. Support will focus on diversified crop production, farm planning, and agricultural resilience strategies. This role bridges agricultural production education with community-centered engagement to strengthen the success and sustainability of small farms.

This Bilingual Educator will:

• Build, strengthen, and expand Bilingual farmer audience engagement with the Cornell Small Farms Program

• Deliver technical support and training in Spanish and English on:

  • Diversified vegetable and crop production suited to small farms

  • Soil health, crop rotation, and ecological pest management

  • Agricultural resilience practices, including climate, and resource conservation

• Provide seasonal and long-term farm planning and profitability.

• Design and implement hands-on workshops, field trainings, and small group learning sessions.

• Conduct needs assessments and farm visits to identify challenges and co-develop solutions with farmers to prioritize educational programs that support new farmer development.

• Design and implement educational programs aimed at creating pathways to farm career advancement, farm business ownership and agricultural entrepreneurship for small-scale farmers.

• Serve as a soil health and climate resilience subject matter specialist for all farmers served by SFP.

• Coordinate with partner organizations to expand service access for Spanish-first farmers.

• Contribute to program documentation, reports, and outreach materials in both Spanish and English.

• Build relationships with a network of bilingual agricultural educators and service providers across NYS.

This position requires the ability to work both independently, as well as part of a team with initiative, creativity, and collaboration.Some infrequent travel and overnight trips around NYS are expected for conference and bilingual course attendance. This individual will be expected to uphold the SFP values of cultural humility, inclusivity, empathy, while respecting and honoring all voices. The Bilingual Small Farm Educator will be a full member of the SFP staff and is expected to develop close working relationships with all SFP Associates, participating in staff meetings and other SFP events. The individual will 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 is expected.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

• Commitment to equity and inclusion in agricultural education.

• Bilingual or Fluent Spanish/English languages.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, education, communications, natural resources, or related fields preferred.

• Three-five years' experience in Spanish-first agricultural education, outreach, or community engagement, either formal or informal, as well as demonstrated understanding of farming.

• Expertise or proven experience of at least 3 years in agricultural crop production.

• Proven skills in project management, facilitation, coordination, and leadership 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.

• Must self-starter with the ability to multitask and prioritize various initiatives and deadlines.

• Excellent customer service skills and demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of people is essential.

• 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 a dynamic environment that includes in-person office, field, and remote responsibilities to effectively complete job tasks.

• Must have and maintain reliable transportation and a valid NYS Driver's License and be cleared to drive and travel for university business with occasional overnight trips being required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in agriculture, Horticulture, natural resources, or related fields preferred.

• Familiarity and demonstrated cultural awareness of diverse farming communities

• Experience coordinating educational programs designed for limited English proficiency audiences.

• 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.

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