Urban Gardening Educator - Buffalo, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County has an opening for a part-time Urban Gardening Educator working 19 hours per week from the Buffalo, NY office.
The Urban Gardening Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Erie County will deliver gardening training in both classroom and in the garden setting to support the Erie County Urban Forestry program.
The Educator will teach basic horticulture and gardening principles with programming and activities focused on permaculture training, community food forest gardening, urban community forestry, and green job workforce development.

    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Associate’s or Equivalent Education. (GED/High School Diploma with one-year transferable program/functional experience may substitute).
•    Experience relevant to the role of the position 
•    Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
•    Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. Valid driver’s license preferred.
•    Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
•    Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
•    Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.
•    Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
•    Demonstrated ability to be self-driven with excellent communication and organizational skills. 
•    Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment. 
•    Demonstrated initiative, reliability, and dependability.
•    Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients and staff and communicate effectively with diverse audiences through accessible ways.
•    Demonstrated to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes including proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
•    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.).
•    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.
•    Ability to perform physical labor in outdoor conditions including lifting 20 to 50lbs, with potential exposure to insects or inclement weather 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

•    Demonstrated ability and familiarity with gardening/urban gardening issues, volunteer coordination, and/or community engagement.
•    Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
•    Experience in teaching non-formal educational programs 
•    Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place and ability to utilize program resources within the community.
•    Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations. 
•    Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in Spanish.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
Program Delivery - 70%
•    Deliver high quality educational programs and activities focused on permaculture training, community food forest gardening, urban community forestry, and green job workforce development utilizing established program resources and materials.
•    Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver program.
•    Assist Supervisor in the creation of innovative educational programs as designed.
•    Consult with Supervisor to obtain specialized assistance in executing programs and programming efforts, as needed.
•    Serve as subject matter resource, utilizing established program resources and materials, to provide information and resources to program participants. 
•    Collaborate with community organizations and agencies as requested or required community agencies to provide resources or facilitate programs and activities.
•    May be involved in multidisciplinary and/or multi-Association team efforts to deliver program.
•    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%
•    Assist in the creation of program evaluation framework. 
•    Interact with program participants, association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
•    Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods. 
•    Communicate evaluation results and findings.
•    Assist with making recommendations for change(s) to strengthen and improve programs.

Applied Research - 5%
•    Under the direction of the Supervisor assist in conducting applied research in conjunction with assigned Land Grant University Faculty, when identified/required.

Administrative Direction - 5%
•    Assist with establishing program goals and priorities.
•    Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
•    Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
•    Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.

Administrative Management - 5%
•    Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association and is research based.
•    Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to association strategies/plan of work.
•    Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations. 
•    Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. 
•    Make recommendations to supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
•    Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%
•    Coordinate and assist with projects and outreach efforts as required by Supervisor.
•    Coordinate with program participants and Supervisor to meet established program deliverables and goals.
•    Assist with the coordination, inventory, organization, preparation, editing and formatting of materials, equipment, reference materials, etc. 
•    Accurately collect, prepare, and maintain paperwork, participant files and database as required by supervisor, Association, and funding source requirements.
•    Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
•    Actively participate in meetings, trainings and conference calls as required or as needed.
•    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.
•    Transport self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
•    In cooperation with the Supervisor, 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.
•    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.
•    Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor, including but not limited to local fairs, community activities, etc. 
•    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 - Applies 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 - Applies to all duties and functions
•    Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local, state, and regional affirmative action plans.
•    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.
•    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. 
•    Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, and Cornell Skills for Success. 
•    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.
 

______________________________________________________________________________

POSITION DETAILS

Expected Weekly Hours: 19 hours per week
Hourly Wage: $21.50 per hour
Location: Based from the Buffalo, NY office. Not eligible for remote work.

______________________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Apply online by 11:59pm EST on July 3, 2024. 

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at [email protected] with questions.  Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page.

______________________________________________________________________________

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered all applicants are requested to:

(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application
(2) Upload/attach a Cover letter and Resume
(3) Upload/attach contact information for 3 Professional References

Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.

• External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices) : Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.  Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate ) for additional guidance. 

• Internal Applicants (current employees working at CCE Erie ): Apply via  Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.
______________________________________________________________________________

  

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

______________________________________________________________________________

  

Job Title:

Association Tmp Program

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contact Name:

Kimberly Amey

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.