Management specialist central

Dairy Management Specialist (Cornell Cooperative Extension); Central New York

Dairy Management Specialist

Extension Associate

Cornell Cooperative Extension

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell University

Central 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. The Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program provides educational opportunities and information to producers, processors, and agribusiness professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably for dairy, field crop and livestock operations, contributing to the viability of farms and the economic well-being of New York State.

What You Will Do

As the Dairy Management Specialist, you will provide producers and the agri-service industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities based on emerging best-management practices. You will work with producers to assess production and demonstrate principles and practices that will lead to maximizing quality, profitability, and sustainability. Other responsibilities include:

• Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching, group experiences, workshops, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, and internet use.
• Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial dairy production.
• Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.
• Participating in regional, statewide, and national program development work groups related to the work of Cornell University, Cooperative Extension and the Dairy and Field Crops Industries.
• Collaboratively exploring and pursuing new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
• Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts.

What We Need

We are looking for a dynamic individual who excels at building relationships with multiple stakeholders to identify and address industry needs. We need someone who appreciates the dairy industry in New York State and realizes the importance of building relationships with producers and processors. In this role, you will work with producers across several counties in the Central region of New York and contribute to multiple teams while developing a unique and impactful extension and applied research program. Additionally, we need someone who has:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution with a major in Dairy Science, Dairy Management, Dairy Nutrition, or related discipline.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
• Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
• Fundamental competence in utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Internet, and social media).
• Knowledge of philosophy, objectives, and operation of an informal education system such as Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings, working effectively with advisory boards, committees, community, and funding partners.
• Proven organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
• Ability to collaborate on new funding, including grants and industry support.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Appreciation of agriculture as a business and as a lifestyle.
• Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
• 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.

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:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience in Agribusiness, Dairy Management, Cooperative Extension, or closely related fields.
• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues and production practices related to the dairy industry in Central New York.
• Proficient in Spanish.

This position is full-time and will be located in Central New York. This position is considered hybrid, with the opportunity to work remotely within New York State one or more days per week.

This is a one-year appointment with possible extension contingent on available work, funding, and performance.

Rewards and Benefits

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

• Salary is based upon experience/qualifications and is within the following range: $72,000.00 to $74,000.00.
• 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

To apply:

Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (

Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.

Applications must be submitted by December 15, 2025.

For more information, please contact Peter Landre at [email protected]. Additional information about the Central New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program can be found at

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Life. Changing.

Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League and Land-grant 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.

Cornell’s regional and global presence includes state-wide Cornell Cooperative Extension programs and offices in all counties and boroughs, global partnerships with institutions and communities engaged in life-changing research and education, the medical college’s campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, and the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

With a founding principle of “any person, any study,” Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay Range:

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.

• Academic Discipline

• Unique applicable skills.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].

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EEO 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 subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, 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.

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 underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (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.

About Us

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. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, 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 Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.

We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options.