Regional Farm to School Coordinator (Cornell Cooperative Extension); North Country, New York

Regional Farm to School Coordinator

Extension Support Specialist I

Band E - Exempt

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

North Country , New York

Who We Are

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 : We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world’s complex, interlocking systems.

We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere.

By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) provides the educational outreach functions for Cornell University’s role as New York State’s Land Grant University.

Harvest New York is an innovative Cornell Cooperative Extension team that focuses on workforce development and business expansion projects that increase profitability and investment in key sectors of New York’s agriculture industry.

More information on the team can be found at .

What You Will Do

The Harvest New York Farm to Institution Program strives to strengthen New York’s food and farming industry, and to increase school and institutional knowledge of New York agriculture, food systems, and nutrition.

You will deliver high-quality educational programs, workshops, and events on the importance of increasing local food and farm products procured by schools.

You will collaborate with distributors and farmers to determine the most efficient and affordable supply chain. Additionally, you will identify program gaps and emerging needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.

Specific duties include :

Developing peer-to-peer learning opportunities between school food purchasers across the region.

Creating innovative educational programs to meet changing local needs.

Educating and providing guidance to local producers and food supply chain partners on how to successfully sell products to schools.

Analyzing and evaluating collected program data.

Supporting efforts in communication with stakeholders and partners through newsletters, quarterly reports, news releases, etc.

Helping to develop program needs assessments (surveys).

Assisting partners in finding and applying for grants that will facilitate their ability to procure / sell New York food products.

Facilitating business-to-business relationships between supply chain partners.

What We Need

We are looking for a talented individual who excels at building and maintaining effective relationships with multiple stakeholders.

We need someone who has an appreciation for agriculture and wants to increase the use local farm products within New York State schools.

In this role, you will work across a wide geography within the North Country and contribute to multiple teams while developing your unique program.

Additionally, we need someone who has :

Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or closely related field and 2+ years of relevant work experience in food systems such as food processing, food procurement, or food supply chain management, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Proficiency with Windows-based software, including the internet and Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

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

Ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community-based organizations, and funding partners.

Strong leadership and teamwork skills.

Proven organizational and time-management skills.

Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and / or weekends, as appropriate.

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 and be cleared to drive for university business.

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

Experience in and / or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and well-being.

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

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including :

Master’s Degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Food Studies, Hospitality Management, or closely related field.

3+ years of experience in food systems such as food processing, food procurement, or food supply chain management.

Knowledge of Farm to School programs.

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

Experience working with farmers and / or schools, educating children in multiple settings, and procuring foods.

Experience developing and leading regional trainings on various farm-to-school-related topic areas.

Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.

Ability to learn the philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.

This position is full-time and will be located in the North Country region of New York State.

This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance.

Moderate travel (about 25%) will be required throughout New York State.

There is the opportunity to work remotely within New York State two days a week; an on-site presence in the North Country Region required three days a week.

Rewards and Benefits

We hope you appreciate great benefits. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.

You can also view additional information regarding .

Cornell has a comprehensive total rewards program that offers several benefits options to meet your needs. More information on our wonderful programs can be found at .

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

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

How to Apply

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EEO Statement

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA / EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex / gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and / or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and / or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds.

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and / or marginalized identities to apply.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's as well as the university's .

University Job Title :

Extension Supp Spec I

Job Family : Academic Support

Academic Support

Level : Pay Rate Type :

Pay Rate Type : Salary

Salary

Pay Range :

$62,035.00 - $67,938.00

Remote Option Availability :

Hybrid

Company : Contract College

Contract College

Contact Name : Janet Camilli

Janet Camilli

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Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Unique applicable skills

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EEO Statement :

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA / EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex / gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and / or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and / or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds.

We encourage individuals from underrepresented and / or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-09-13