Agriculture Resource Educator - Oriskany, NY

The Agriculture Resource Educator is primarily responsible for the assessment, development, delivery, and evaluation of educational workshops and trainings while also providing continual technical assistance to producers, agricultural landowners, and supportive organizations working to enhance the viability of local agriculture. Program topics include, but are not limited to: soil health, pest management, crop yields, agronomy, and pesticide applications. This position will deliver and develop crop and soil programming and program activities, both on-site and off-site, in the community.
The Educator works as part of a team to meet the needs of the Oneida County agricultural community through collaboration with the Association, regional, and statewide professional staff, and volunteers. As a member of the agriculture team, the educator will assist with direction, management, and coordination of diverse agriculture programming and enhanced economic development opportunities.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, or related field plus experience relevant to the role of the position.

• Ability to plan, manage and/or implement projects and educational programs.

• Ability to effectively deliver related programs and trainings.

• Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• Proficiency or ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program related software, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.

• Ability to work independently or with peers/groups.

• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts, including frequent collaboration with staff and outside organizations.

• Ability to read and write in English.

• Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to develop and implement community engagement strategies.

• Must possess or have the ability to acquire a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification and New York State Certified Pesticide Applicators License.

• Ability to plan, organize, and implement work responsibilities according to priorities developed with team members and immediate supervisor.

• Ability to meet frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver’s license, reliable vehicle access, and a driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.

• Ability to work flexible hours which will include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Ability to frequently move/transport supplies and equipment, including climbing stairs and/or in outdoor/agricultural settings with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with Cornell and other land-grant institutions and ability to utilize those resources within programming.

• Familiarity with Oneida County and ability to utilize resources within the community.

• Previous experience with educational assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of programming.

• Familiarity with securing and/or administering grants and contracts.

• Demonstrated knowledge related to research best practices and research experience related to soil and crop health.

• Demonstrated skills related to pest management and pesticide applications and certifications.

Position Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Program Assessment – 15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to identify program gaps, trends, and emerging needs; make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.

• Develop methodology to assess the agriculture program and ensure that program and strategic needs of the Association are being satisfied.

• Ensure program assessment is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.   

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program assessment guidance.

Program Development – 20%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop educational programming to meet identified needs and interests of diverse program participants and meet changing local and/or regional issues.

• Develop innovative program to meet the crop and soil health education and research needs of targeted educational audiences.

• Research, identify, and select appropriate educational and community resources; identify additional resources required for new programs and initiatives.

• Ensure program development is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.

• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

• Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and other subject matter specialists for guidance in program development.

Program Delivery – 20%

• Deliver agriculture educational programs to enhance and increase awareness, viability and sustainability of local agriculture as well as create linkages between food consumers and agricultural producers.

• Provide education on insects, diseases, and weeds in crop fields and provide recommendations for their control.

• Provide information on practices that support soil health as part of program delivery.

• Provide program related education and training for new and existing farmers.

• One-on-one consultations with key producers and industry partners related to program delivery and problem solving.

• Work to foster acceptance of crop and soil programs, research and technical assistance, methods and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.

• Serve as a subject matter expert in the area of crop and soil health to staff and participants, community organizations, and the general public.

• Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to provide highly complex non-standard responses.

• Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.

• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program delivery guidance.

• Ensure program delivery is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation – 10%

• Develop program evaluation framework and tools based on subject matter knowledge to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.

• Interact with program participants, the community, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.

• Analyze and interpret collected evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods.

• Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.

• Communicate evaluation results and findings to supervisor and/or constituents as appropriate.

• Ensure program evaluation is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.

Applied Research – 5%

• May collect and process diagnostic laboratory samples.

• Maintain direct linkage to Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.

• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.

• Ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Administrative Direction – 10%

• Plan the delivery of short and long-term education programs based on the Association Plan of Work.

• Plan the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.

• Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program.

• Initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.

Administrative Management – 10%

• Identify activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.

• Monitor program to ensure compliance with policies and objectives of the Association, funding requirements, and adherence to Association Plan of Work.

• Assist in the procurement of grant funds for program development and expansion.

• Effectively manage and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives.

• Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. 

• Act as a liaison for producers and agricultural landowners to municipal officials.

• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

Administrative Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework.

• Collect program needs assessment data based on existing framework.

• Submit program report to meet funding agency requirement.

• Organize and coordinate program activities related to crop and soil programming (i.e. workshops, seminars, tours, consultations, etc.)

• Coordinate, compile, and organize existing resources and program materials.

• Provide administrative support for program design and for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, and evaluation of established educational program goals.

• Complete required financial documentation to meet the grant or budget requirement.

• Implement established program schedule.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.

• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. 

• Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. 

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

• Be familiar with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.

• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.

• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Oneida County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.  

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

• At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.

• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

Position Details

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, exempt position. The annual salary for this position is $58,458.40.

Paid time off includes 21 Vacation days, 15 Sick days, 4 Personal days, 12 Holidays, and 2 Floating Holidays annually. Additional benefits based on eligibility, include:

• NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)

• NYS Retirement

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts

• Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance

• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance

• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

• Voluntary Pet Insurance

• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:

https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply:  Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .  For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

Please submit resume, cover letter and references. Consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.   Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. 

No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

Please contact Lori North, SBN HR Manager, email [email protected]   with questions.

https://cceoneida.com

  

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Job Title:

Association Resource Educator

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Lori North

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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . 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.