Job Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension CCE of Rensselaer County Agriculture Educator – East Greenbush, NY in East Greenbush, New York
Since 1917, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County has responded to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input, and are based on the most current information available from Cornell and other Land Grant Universities from across the nation.
The Agriculture Educator works as part of a collaborative team delivering programs and serving as a subject matter resource for both 4-H youth development and local agriculture programs. Responsibilities can vary quite a bit including advising 4-H youth and club leaders, connecting consumers to locally produced and nutritious agricultural products, coordinating initiatives (e.g. agricultural literacy, day on the farm, etc.), and everything in between. The Educator fields questions, delivers programs, and helps connect people, producers, and growers to other regional or state-wide experts as needed. This position reports to the 4-H Team Leader and also works closely with the Executive Director on local (Rensselaer County) agriculture programs and initiatives.
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 Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu.
External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) 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
Candidates are encouraged to apply by February 15, 2023. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. An associate’s degree plus 2 years related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience relevant to the position.
Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.
Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for association insurance coverage are required.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and occasional overnight travel.
Program Skills: Ability to deliver and organize assigned programs. Ability to meet program goals and deadlines. Serve as a subject matter resource to others. Maintain confidentiality of program participants and data. Ability to communicate effectively with others and effectively participate in professional team efforts. Must be able to review and follow recipes and assure compliance to federal and state guidelines.
Computer Skills: Microsoft Office programs, databases, social media, virtual/video conferencing, internet, email, etc.
Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; 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. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program related materials, and equipment. The position regularly works in agricultural and outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat, precipitation and cold – especially during growing and fair seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in an agriculture, animal, or plant science or related fields preferred.
Ability to speak, read and write proficiently in the Spanish language, or other non-English language as is spoken in the target community.
Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Program Responsibilities:
Program Delivery – 70%
Deliver existing agriculture related youth development programs to support both ongoing and new 4-H programs such as but not limited to: production and companion animals, gardening, farm safety, veterinary science, etc.
Deliver local agriculture programs for adults and youth including agricultural literacy, days on the farm, and other agriculture related topics.
Educate the public on Rensselaer county farms and farm products, helping people make connections to locally produced, nutritious foods. Help residents become familiar and utilize locally produced foods and agriculture products, via the Harvest Connection network.
Serve as the primary (local) contact and subject matter resource on agriculture for CCE of Rensselaer County. Field questions and provides standard responses. Connect people, producers, and growers to other regional or state-wide experts as needed.
Train and provide existing resources to staff to increase their knowledge on agriculture related issues.
May occasionally apply established subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans for programs.
Foster acceptance of program, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
Deliver programs utilizing a variety of methods including direct teaching, virtual learning, mass media, newsletters, etc. Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.
Represent CCE as a subject matter resource before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
Collaborate with local and regional program teams as well as with multi-county and statewide teams and work groups as part of program delivery.
May be actively involved in multidisciplinary or multi-association team efforts to deliver programs.
Program Evaluation – 5%
Implement program evaluation as designed.
May assist in data analysis and in making recommendations to supervisor for strengthening and improving programs.
Interact with program participants, advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, county and community leaders to obtain evaluation data for programs.
Communicate evaluation results and findings to constituents as appropriate.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction – 5%
- Provide input to planning assigned programs, events, budgets, communications and marketing, etc.
Management – 5%
Manage assigned programs and volunteers with guidance and support from the supervisors.
Assist with 4-H volunteer recruitment and involvement.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Coordination/Operation – 10%
Coordinate and schedule assigned programs.
Recruit program participants.
Assist with communications and marketing efforts – draft standard communications, impact statements, take photos, etc.
Maintain strong connections with regional and statewide teams, network of peers, partner organizations, and others.
Maintain program records and data.
Compile program materials and inventory.
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 Rensselaer 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.
Position Details
This is a full time, nonexempt position, 35 hours/week. Compensation paid at the rate of $23.63 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 Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail jpm373@cornell.edu or phone (518) 765-3503.
https://rensselaer.cce.cornell.edu/
Job Title:
Association Subject Educator I
Level:
004
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jim McNaughton
Number of Openings:
1
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 (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.
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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.