4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator - Liberty, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County 4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator serves as a member of the 4-H Youth Development team to organize, plan, and implement activities and events to support the delivery of 4-H Youth Development Animal Science programs in Sullivan County. The 4-H Animal Science Coordinator is responsible for supporting program objectives and plans with emphasis on Volunteer Coordination, 4-H Clubs and Members, and Animal Science programs including regular animal science workshops, demonstrations, and clinics, Sullivan County Youth Fair event and partner coordination and promotion including youth registration and data entry/management using FairEntry.com and 4honline.com, securing and organizing equipment, judges, supplies, etc., transporting supplies, receiving, checking in, staging animals in collaboration with youth participants and volunteers, set up, breakdown, volunteer management, securing judges, awards and prizes in partnership with volunteer leaders, Livestock and Ag Products Auction and affiliated educational activities, and other programs as assigned. This position works in collaboration with administrative staff to provide reception support and information on programs and events. This is a part time, 20 hour per week, benefits eligible position.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree or Equivalent education in related field. High School diploma/GED and one year transferrable program experience is acceptable.
Strong organizational skills including the ability to create effective organizational systems and event management.
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, social media, etc.).
Ability to transport self and program materials to/from program sites in personal or association vehicle.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which includes sitting, standing, lifting, pushing, pulling, crouching, kneeling, bending, twisting, reaching, and walking.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
Ability and willingness to work with all youth, families, and volunteers.
Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with varying groups of people.
Ability to speak in public and facilitate meetings as needed.
Detail-oriented with the ability to complete moderately complex and straightforward tasks.
Ability to follow procedures and written instructions.
Ability to plan and organize work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
Must demonstrate a high degree of integrity, sound professional judgment and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to take meeting minutes in a timely and understandable way that clearly defines action steps.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in education, agriculture, organizational systems and/or Human/Youth Development.
Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
Experience in directing and collaborating with volunteers.
Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
Spanish speaking, background and/or training in other languages an asset.

Responsibilities

Deliver existing high quality 4-H Youth Development Animal Science educational programs and events for youth ages 5-19 including assisting with annual enrollment, volunteer recruitment and screening, 4-H Public Presentations, County and NYS Fair, and 4-H Achievement events.
Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs that meet goals identified in the Plan of Work.
Serve as subject matter resource in youth animal science programs, positive youth development strategies and volunteer involvement.
Foster acceptance of programs, 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.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
May be involved in multidisciplinary team efforts to deliver program.
Provide input to supervisor and/or volunteers in planning the delivery of 4-H educational programs via various methods.
Provide input to supervisor to assist in planning the delivery of the established 4-H program goals.
Provide input to supervisor, based on knowledge of 4-H program needs and implementation, for planning the program budget.
Support volunteer management to ensure volunteer direction and procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures and provide guidance and resources for volunteers including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.
Ensure Volunteers and 4-H members meet established administrative and programmatic deadlines.
Monitor program and volunteers to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association and is research based.
Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise within the 4-H Youth Development program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures and with supervisor guidance as needed.
Under guidance of Supervisor, assist in coordinating and supporting 4-H Youth Development animal science county-wide programs and events.
Provide support and coordination for and with volunteer leaders.
Assist with the coordination, inventory, organization and preparation of materials, equipment, reference materials, etc. for a variety of 4-H Youth Development animal science and other extension association activities as assigned.
Coordinate registration, set-up, and prepare resources for special projects including but not limited to the 4-H Fairs, Award Trips, Awards and Recognition Night, Auction, county-wide programs, and other extension association activities as assigned.
Provide support and coordination for various County and State Fair activities including enlistment of judges, scheduling of animal shows, staffing and coordination of volunteers for designated shows, programs, and events.
Schedule use of space for programs.
Responsible for physically setting up the program space for educational trainings and programs.
Accurately collect, prepare and maintain paperwork, participant files and database as required by supervisor, Association and funding source requirements.
Complete and/or contribute to required reports in manner specified by supervisor, association or funding sources by established deadlines or as requested.
Transport youth participants, other staff and program materials on an as needed basis in Association vehicles or personal vehicle.
Compile and make ready teaching materials for 4-H Youth Development Animal Science programs and volunteers applying existing subject matter knowledge.
Collect evaluation data from program participants based on existing framework.
Collect program needs assessment data based on existing framework.
Coordinate the program implementation efforts, planning and activities related to 4-H Youth Development programming, events, and volunteer recruitment and coordination.
Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, phone messages, social media, website postings and content.
Coordinate promotion of 4-H Youth Development by networking and volunteer recruitment efforts through public relation initiatives by providing information for preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary.
Act as first point of contact for 4-H Animal Science Volunteers within the County.
Prepare and submit expense reports.
Assist in implementing a shared Association vision, building understanding around the mission and the advancement of the mission.
Collaborate with administrative staff to provide general office and reception/welcome desk support.
Maintain pleasant relationships with the public through a variety of contacts – walk-in office visitors, telephone, e-mail, and written correspondence.
Direct callers and visitors or provide basic information about programs and events.
May provide backup and support in collaboration with the support staff team to the overall Association and other program areas as needed.
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.
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.
Demonstrate respect and compassion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to all audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Sullivan 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.