4-H Green Teen Educator - Beacon, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$22 - $22

About The Position

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Green Teen Educator works under the supervision of the Green Teen Program Manager to deliver educational programs that provide life and work skills and related education to targeted youth with the focus on the food systems and gardening. Primary program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, gardening, recruitment of participants and delivering educational programs. The Educator also coordinates and facilitates operations as well as assists with the Green Teen Program evaluations.

Requirements

Associates Degree and two years paid or volunteer experience. GED/High School Diploma and three years transferrable program experience is acceptable
Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills
Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and database management
Must be committed to creating and maintaining an environment that fosters positive youth development
Must enjoy working in agricultural settings and be physically capable of doing frequent/daily manual labor. May be working in challenging weather conditions, including but not limited to direct sunlight, extreme heat, humidity, rain, exposure to insects, etc.
Ability to complete project reports and keep accurate physical and digital records
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences, including individuals of varied ages and backgrounds, and maintain cultural sensitivity
Ability to meet frequent (potentially daily – depending on the season) travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage and to transport youth are required
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work as part of a team
Ability to work flexible hours including nights and/or weekends

Nice To Haves

A general knowledge of youth education using positive youth development strategies
Previous experience working in youth development programs
Conflict resolution skills
Previous experience in an agricultural setting, or related industry with retail experience
Ability to speak Spanish

Responsibilities

Assist in presenting workshops related to but not limited to the food systems and customer service lessons for mobile/farmers’ market
Teaching the existing educational program as defined. This includes teaching workshops on workplace safety, gardening and farming techniques and relevant vocational skills
Assist with teaching innovative educational programs with supervision. May assist in creation of new workshops and/or materials as necessary
Help foster acceptance of program, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences
Actively interact with program participants on a daily basis when programing is in session
Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies to keep the program fresh and relevant
As part of program delivery, serve as mentor and provide guidance for program participants by engaging them in work projects, team building and skill-related workshops. Additionally, remaining alert to opportunities to independently provide guidance and support to youth
As part of program delivery, work with Green Teens to provide for the day-to-day maintenance of the garden to include, but not limited to, watering, weeding, planting, harvesting and the maintenance of gardening tools and equipment
Based on experiences providing education to youth, the position may provide leadership to youth and volunteers. May provide feedback to youth on performance as part of program delivery
Assist in gathering data and helping Program Coordinator evaluate the program’s market and youth outcomes
Assist in the evaluation and determining the effectiveness of the Green Teen Program by weekly or monthly review of records that document attendance, behavior/attitude change and progress toward meeting program goals
Assist with the recruitment of youth participants for Green Teen Program
Harvest produce from the Green Teen garden for the Mobile Market and maintain harvest records
Work with partner farm(s) to wash and prepare produce and to set the prices each market day
Sell produce and track sales for the Mobile Market
Return the market vehicle to the farm, put away market materials and complete daily cash records
Frequent/sometimes daily transportation of Green Teen Youth as program needs require
Participate in community events, conferences for outreach and recruitment efforts
Assist with a variety of daily tasks associated with the smooth and effective running of the program and the achievement of specific program outcomes
May assist with review of educational material and update as necessary
In cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position 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 Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned
Be aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension policies and procedures
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner
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
Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies and procedures
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner