4-H Program Educator - Watertown, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

8d•Onsite

About The Position

This position will serve as the 4-H Youth Development Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County. Under the leadership and oversight of the Youth and Family Program Manager, the role provides program implementation, administrative direction, management, and coordination for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The position will assist in planning, development, evaluation, coordination, and implementation of educational programming. Key responsibilities include traditional 4-H club and volunteer development, coordination of youth participation in county and state fairs, implementation of various youth programming (school-based, afterschool, military-connected, community), support for Camp Wabasso, grant-funded initiatives, and countywide educational events promoting positive youth development. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders to deliver research-based programming, coordinate volunteers, and ensure compliance with organizational and external requirements.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or equivalent education (Bachelor’s Degree with four (4) years transferrable relevant evidence-based research 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 needed.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with 4-H Clubs, including science, technology, math, engineering, and wellness.
Familiarity with military and community organizations.
Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach youth, individuals and groups (ages 6-18).
Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
Demonstrated ability to plan for and lead large community events.

Responsibilities

Assist the Youth and Family Program Manager in the development of innovative 4-H Youth Development educational programming and strategies.
Assist in researching, identifying, and selecting educational resources for program use.
Assist in structuring educational programs to meet identified community needs and support the Association Plan of Work.
Assist in the development and adaptation of lesson plans, educational materials, and activities utilizing research-based resources.
Assist in maintaining direct linkages with Cornell University faculty, Extension educators, schools, military partners, volunteers, and community organizations to strengthen programming.
Assist in evaluating educational programming and recommending improvements based on evaluation outcomes.
Work cooperatively with Youth and Family Program staff to expand educational opportunities and strengthen existing programming.
Teach and facilitate established 4-H Youth Development educational programming utilizing a variety of delivery methods.
Coordinate and implement educational programming within traditional 4-H clubs, schools, afterschool programs, military-connected youth programs, community organizations, Camp Wabasso educational programming and field trips, and other educational settings.
Deliver educational programming focused on STEM, agriculture, environmental education, leadership, citizenship, healthy living, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and life skills.
Coordinate youth participation in county, district, regional, and statewide 4-H educational events, leadership opportunities, contests, conferences, camps, fairs, and educational trips.
Utilize research-based educational methodologies appropriate for diverse audiences.
Serve as a subject matter resource for youth, volunteers, families, community organizations, and the general public.
Foster acceptance of Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development programming while addressing community and individual needs.
Implement program evaluation, collect participant data, assist in analyzing outcomes, and prepare required reports.
Work cooperatively with Association staff to achieve overall Youth and Family Program goals.
Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding, orientation, screening, training, and ongoing support of 4-H volunteers.
Coordinate traditional 4-H club operations including volunteer communication, enrollment, leader support, compliance, fundraising guidance, and recognition activities.
Coordinate volunteer meetings, trainings, leadership development opportunities, and recognition events.
Maintain volunteer and youth enrollment records utilizing approved data management systems, including 4-H Online.
Coordinate scholarships, award programs, public presentations, and youth recognition activities.
Assist with planning and implementing fund development activities, including Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaigns and other fundraising initiatives.
Monitor assigned program budgets, club funds, and financial procedures in accordance with Association policies.
Assist with grant implementation, purchasing, invoicing, reporting, and required documentation.
Ensure compliance with Cornell Cooperative Extension policies, New York State 4-H policies, grant requirements, insurance requirements, safety procedures, and risk management practices.
Coordinate all aspects of Jefferson County 4-H participation in the Jefferson County Fair.
Coordinate Jefferson County 4-H participation in the New York State Fair.
Coordinate the planning, implementation, and operation of assigned 4-H Youth Development programs.
Assist with and support Youth and Family Program initiatives and special events led by other program staff.
Coordinate educational exhibits, promotional efforts, public presentations, community outreach activities, and 4-H club demonstrations.
Maintain effective professional relationships with volunteers, schools, military partners, community organizations, businesses, county agencies, and other youth-serving organizations.
Collect and maintain accurate program participation records, inventories, financial documentation, evaluation data, and required reports.
In cooperation with Supervisor, Youth and Family Issue Leader and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan.
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.
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.