Statewide responsibilities within the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems Program with specific emphasis on evaluation and application of dairy manure management and treatment systems in support of moving dairy farms towards sustainability as they minimize water quality, air quality, and climate change impacts. Effort will be focused on interactions, communication, and training for dairy producers and industry advisors, scientists, governmental and regulatory agencies to improve sustainability by helping the dairy industry find economical ways to improve practices while protecting the environment. As needed, collaborate with other faculty and other PRO-DAIRY specialists on industry applied research and extension efforts.
Master’s Degree in agricultural, civil, or environmental engineering or equivalent from an accredited institution
8+ years of relevant work experience in agricultural engineering or closely related fields.
Experience in applying and evaluating dairy environmental systems, including facilities and manure management systems on dairy farms.
Knowledge of dairy farm operations.
Be a self-motivator and able to work independently with minimal direction yet work in a group-oriented setting.
Experience in conducting, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating the results of applied research.
Highly motivated to generate, translate and communicate academic knowledge and convert it into practical, useful information for dairy producers and industry.
Strong desire and ability to function in a team setting, with self-motivation to be able to work independently with minimal direction.
Knowledge of the 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 and committees, community and funding partners.
Proven organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to define, conduct and interpret applied research and demonstration projects.
Successful experience obtaining new funding, including grants and industry support.
Strong leadership and teamwork skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Fundamental competence utilizing current technology as a management and program delivery tool (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet).
Creativity, energy, motivation, and positive enthusiasm.
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.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
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:
Ph.D. preferred.
Registered Professional Engineer
If a Ph.D. or P.E. is held, then 6+ years of relevant work experience is required.
The Cornell PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program, comprised of a team of multidisciplinary professionals, works closely with select New York State, US, and international dairy industry leaders to identify, develop, document, and disseminate innovative methods for dairy farm sustainability focusing on dairy housing, manure and byproduct management, energy systems targeted to enhance animal performance, animal well-being, system efficiency, environmental compliance including soil, water and air, and overall farm profitability. All work is targeted towards the overall program mission of furthering individual farm and industry-wide growth and sustainability.