CCE of Schuyler County Horticulture and Gardening Coordinator – Montour Falls, NY

This position will provide educational programs and support in the areas of horticulture, farm-to-table connections, small scale farming, youth AG and gardening education, and the Cornell Master Gardener program. The Horticulture Educator will work closely with Ag & Natural Resources Program team members to answer grower and consumer questions about growing and composting practices, local foods and farm-consumer connections, effective marketing and food safety practices for small farmers, and trends in home gardening, horticulture, and landscaping, including being a resource for pest issues and invasive organisms The Horticulture and Gardening Coordinator will also manage the Master Gardener program through volunteer management, support and trainings. Under the direction of the program senior resource educator, the Horticulture Educator will manage the CCESC Teaching Garden.

    

Application Instructions

In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).  

Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher).  To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments.  If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected] .

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

All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Apply By

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on 7/11/2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Equivalent Education. ( GED/High School Diploma with one-year transferable program/functional experience may substitute).

• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

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

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agriculture, small farms, and market connections.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.

• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.

• Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.

• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.

• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.

• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years job related experience in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, sustainability, environmental education, or related fields.

• Experience with farm marketing and outreach, small farms and/or local foods, utilization of social media to promote program areas.

• Experience with agriculture/farm related grant writing

• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.

• Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.

• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery – 10 %

• Based on the annual plan of work in agriculture, farm-to-table connections, and consumer horticulture, deliver high quality, existing educational programs and activities for adults and youth in non-traditional settings.

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

• Conduct in-service trainings for volunteers and distribute subject matter resources/materials.

• Serve as subject matter resource, utilizing established program resources and materials, to provide information and resources to program participants.

• Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences through frequent contact with program participants, parents, and volunteers.

• Interact with program participants, parents, and volunteers representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. Presents as a positive role model for participants in all program activities and programs.

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

Program Evaluation – 5 %

• Participate in evaluation of programs through the dissemination and collection of evaluation data from participants and other key stakeholders for use in enhancing and improving programs.

• Provide input to the team to improve evaluation data collection and resulting implementation of program adjustments.

• Work with Supervisor on Annual Plan of Work including collecting Federal Data and Success stories needed

• Participate in evaluation of Cornell plant material trials.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 5 %

• Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.

• Assist with developing initiatives to promote local products and farms.

• Assist with planning and strategy development to strengthen and improve programs, as necessary.

• May assist with financial direction of program to include planning for program expenses and budgets as well as financial resources for program continuance and enhancement.

• Working under the established guidelines, develop and enhance relationships with appropriate volunteers, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders to promote the Agricultural program and to recruit new volunteers.

Management – 5 %

• Support volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership, and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.

• Assist with solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures and with supervisor guidance as needed.

• Assist with identifying, anticipating, recommending, and planning for program needs/supplies.

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

Coordination/Operation – 70 %

• Coordinate administrative tasks related to assigned programming such as connecting community members to existing resources, distributing, and disseminating program materials, compiling, and maintaining teaching materials.

• Collaborate as a member of the Agriculture & Natural Resources team in the management and marketing of the program in Schuyler County and in the region.

• Implement activities as directed by agriculture senior resource educator in support of establishing a Master Gardener/garden volunteer program.

• Participate in discussions and provide input surrounding evaluation, marketing, and community connections.

• Provide input to team on management and planning for Teaching Garden.

• Respond to producer and consumer inquiries using approved resources.

• Interact with Master Gardener/garden volunteers.

• Coordinate training and educational programs.

• Assist in administering pre and post lesson series surveys developed by Ag team, ensuring enrollment paperwork is completed

• Complete and maintain all required program documentation on participants.

• Provide guidance and time monitoring for volunteers and interns as appropriate.

• Assist in recruiting program participants in an effort to meet or exceed funder targeted education goals. Recruitment efforts include assisting with partnering and contacts with other community- based organizations for referrals. Utilize existing program materials and educational framework to implement the recruitment of participants to the program through community agencies.

• Accurately collect, prepare, and maintain paperwork, participant files and database as required by supervisor, Association, and funding source requirements.

• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.

• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed and/or maintained.

• Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.

• This position may require the transport of self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.

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.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

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 Schuyler County policies, procedures, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.

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

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Position Details

This is a part time (25h/week) non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $21.50 - $23.00 per hour. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave

• Paid Holidays

• NYS Health Insurance Program (including free Dental Insurance)

• NYS Retirement (NYSERS)

• Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Tax Deferred Annuity Plan

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Group Universal Life Insurance

• Personal Accidental Insurance

• Legal Plan Insurance

• Long Term Care Insurance

• Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• New York’s College Savings Program

• ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

For additional questions please contact Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected]

https://cceschuyler.org/

  

Job Title:

Association Program Coordinator I

Level:

004

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kelsey James

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.