Job Description

The Suffolk County Farm Director will manage the day-to-day operations of a 270-acre publicly owned and operated farm in Suffolk County, NY. This role is responsible for providing expert guidance on sustainable agricultural practices, crop and livestock planning, soil health management, and overall farm productivity. Working in coordination with county officials, farm managers, and community stakeholders, the Farm Director will help shape and support long-term planning efforts that align with the farm's educational, environmental, and public service goals.
The Farm Director shall possess a deep knowledge of local Long Island farming, sustainable agriculture, and best management practices. Evaluate current operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend practical, data-driven solutions to enhance ecological stewardship, financial sustainability, and community engagement. This role may also contribute to educational programming, grant development, and compliance with state and federal agricultural regulations. Act as Farm Manager to the Farm Advisory Committee. Supervise farm staff, and overall farm management. The Farm Director will work closely with Suffolk County staff, including Economic Development and Planning and Department of Public Works, on long-term vision and implementing sustainability goals. They will help develop and coordinate long-term farm investments and capital projects. This includes collaborating with agricultural industry leadership and other community partners to maximize the Farm’s value to the industry and to the Suffolk County community at-large. The Farm Director shall work with staff to identify and secure grant opportunities to enhance on-site agricultural experiences and educational opportunities. Maintain positive working relationships with industry leaders, stakeholders, local officials, county employees, community groups and service providers. The Farm Director shall recommend opportunities for program growth and adaptation and identify additional sources of program revenue

Responsible for effective management of resources (including budget development, implementation, monitoring and reporting) available to the program area, facilities coordination, event coordination and development. Represent the Association before the public, community leaders, government officials and Cornell University in conjunction with program and leadership responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, Horticulture, Animal Science, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in farm management, agricultural consulting, or related roles.
• Ability to develop and maintain programming partnerships with a variety of community/governmental/educational agencies and organizations.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to develop and monitor a program budget.
• Knowledge of agriculture, farming, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Long Island history, environmental issues.
• Ability to work flexible hours which includes evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Ability and willingness to work with the county and legislators to obtain funding and ensure facilities are maintained appropriately.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional methods as well as electronic technology.
• Demonstrated experience in effective supervision and management.
• Demonstrated experience with fund development, management, and grant writing.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences.
• Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders and clientele groups.
• Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.
• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Background or course work in leadership, management, farm, and/or grant writing/management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and/or background with Cooperative Extension and local Agricultural Associations.
• Master’s Degree
• Background experience working with Suffolk County and local government.
• Experience with environmental or agricultural sciences.
• Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.
• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary:            $35,000 - $45,000 per year

Schedule:      EXEMPT – Reg: 28 Hours per week

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available

HOW TO APPLY:

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position will remain open until a qualified pool of candidates is obtained.

Applicants need to:

Attach/upload a resume to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload a cover letter to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Attach/upload contacts info for three references to the online application in either Microsoft Word or PDF format.

In the "Experience" section of your application, use the Paperclip icon to search for file(s) or use the "Drop Files Here" box to manually drag document(s) into your application. Once the application is submitted, you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.

External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations), please refer to the Applying for a Job (External Candidate) document for additional guidance.

Internal Applicants: Current employees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting are considered internal applicants; please refer to the Applying for a Job (Internal Candidate) document for additional guidance.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform their essential functions. If you require an accommodation to participate in the selection process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Human Resources at (631) 727-7850 or via email at HR-CCESuffolk@cornell.edu

Job Title:

Association Farm Manager

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Nicholas Ng

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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