Local Food Program Coordinator - Elmira, NY

This position will serve as the Local Foods Program Coordinator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Chemung County and will provide program coordination and support to the Community & Economic Vitality Program, including the Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver programs, Farm Market and Veggie Van outreach, Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver volunteer projects and activities, and other programming as assigned. This position will organize and coordinate activities relating to the Community & Economic Vitality program; provide administrative assistance in coordination of Farm Market and Veggie Van outreach, the recruitment of new Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Volunteers in Chemung County; coordinate Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver program events; maintain regular communication with volunteers to ensure volunteer needs are met; and serve as an accessible resource to program volunteers, including assisting in providing orientation and ongoing support and follow-up, and to assist in ensuring initial and continued success.

    

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on February 29, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .

Please contact Katie Curren, Association Operations Coordinator at 607-734-4453 with questions. 

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a part-time non-exempt position, 80% FTE, 30 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position will range from $21.00 to $22.50, commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education (Associate’s Degree and two (2) years of transferrable program/functional experience).
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Physical ability to demonstrate environmental garden based education techniques, especially digging soil, regularly stooping and kneeling, ability to carry 50 lbs. (soil, tools).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in plant and/or environmental science.
• Experience with Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize program resources within the general community.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:
 

Delivery - 5%

• Work to foster acceptance of the Community & Economic Vitality program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
• Provide information and resources to program participants in Community & Economic Vitality programming.
• Teach existing educational programs and activities as defined in support of Community & Economic Vitality programming efforts.
• Provide Community & Economic Vitality educational programming via mass media.
• Assist in teaching innovative educational programs.
• Serve as subject matter resource in the area of Community & Economic Vitality and provide standard responses.
• Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Community & Economic Vitality Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.

Evaluation - 5%

• Implement program evaluation as designed.
• Assist in the interaction of various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of programs.

Administrative Responsibilities:
 

Direction - 5%

• Provide limited-complexity administrative tasks in the planning of educational Community & Economic Vitality programs.
• Provide administrative assistance in planning for mass media efforts for the Community & Economic Vitality Program, specifically the Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, Farm Market and Veggie Van Outreach Programs.
• Assist Supervisor with planning of events and activities to include, but not limited to: volunteer meetings and trainings to provide learning and growing experience for Chemung County Master Gardeners & Master Food Preservers, Farm Market and Veggie Van Outreach programs.  

Management - 10%

• Provide moderately complex administrative management to support the Community & Economic Vitality Program.
• Provide volunteer management to include:
  • Recruitment activities of new Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver volunteers.
  • Serve as an accessible resource to volunteers by assisting with providing follow-up support to ensure initial and continued success.
  • Manage Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Volunteer hours.
  • Manage Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Volunteers engaged in community projects.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Provide oversight and guidance to program volunteers in accordance with established practices and procedures.
• Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e. program supplies and materials) to the Supervisor.

Coordination/Operation - 70%

• Organize and coordinate events and activities to include, but not limited to: community programming led by Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver volunteers, Farm Market & Veggie Van outreach, and volunteer meetings and trainings to provide learning and growing experience for Chemung County Master Gardener & Master Food Preservers.
• Provide volunteer orientation and training for Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Volunteers in coordination with identified statewide lead staff.
• Coordinate, and assist other Community & Economic Vitality staff, with all aspects of the Master Gardener & Master Food Preserver Program enrollment and reporting process.
• Assist with program evaluation to include: collecting evaluation and needs assessment data from program participants.
• Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.
• Coordinate Master Gardener, Master Food Preserver, and Veggie Van programming with school and community locations.
• Assist Community & Economic Vitality staff with planning for volunteer recognition activities.
• Develop and maintain support materials for Community & Economic Vitality programs and activities.
• Prepare regular submissions to CCE Chemung Association and program newsletters as assigned.
• In collaboration with Supervisor, maintain the program related sections of Association website and Facebook page.
• Provide administrative support for the coordination and implementation of multi-media efforts in the promotion of programming.
• Under the direction of the Supervisor, coordinate and assist with special projects and outreach efforts as instructed.
• Provide information to community media representatives regarding individual programs and refer other questions to other staff members as appropriate.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 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 in programming and association priorities.
• 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 Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar 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.
• Be aware of, and adhere to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County policies and procedures.
• 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.

  

Job Title:

Association Program Coordinator II

Level:

004

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

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.