4-H Program Educator - Watertown, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

About The Position

This position serves 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 educator provides program implementation, administrative direction, management, and coordination for the 4-H Youth Development Program. The role assists with planning, development, evaluation, coordination, and delivery of educational programming. The educator supports traditional 4-H clubs and volunteer development; youth participation in the Jefferson County Fair and New York State Fair; school-based, afterschool, military-connected, and community youth programming; Camp Wabasso educational programming and field trips; grant-funded initiatives; and countywide educational events that promote positive youth development. The role works with the Youth and Family Program Manager, volunteers, schools, military partners, community organizations, Extension staff, and other partners to deliver research-based programming, coordinate volunteer efforts, and ensure compliance with Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State 4-H, grant, and risk management requirements. This is a full-time, non-exempt position at 100% FTE, 40 hours per week, with an hourly rate of $24.00. It is based in Watertown, New York, and may require transporting program participants or program materials and resources. Flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, may be required as needed.

Requirements

Master’s degree, or equivalent education; a bachelor’s degree with four years of transferable relevant evidence-based research experience is accepted as the stated equivalent.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to meet travel requirements associated with the 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 varied delivery methods for 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 developing innovative 4-H educational programs and strategies for varied youth audiences.
Research and select educational resources, structure programs to meet community needs and the Association Plan of Work, and adapt lesson plans and activities using research-based resources.
Maintain linkages with Cornell University faculty, Extension educators, schools, military partners, volunteers, and community organizations; collaborate with Youth and Family Program staff.
Evaluate educational programming and recommend improvements based on evaluation outcomes.
Teach and facilitate established 4-H programming through a variety of delivery methods and settings, including clubs, schools, afterschool programs, military-connected programs, community organizations, and Camp Wabasso.
Deliver programming in STEM, agriculture, environmental education, leadership, citizenship, healthy living, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and life skills.
Coordinate youth participation in county, district, regional, and statewide educational events, leadership opportunities, contests, conferences, camps, fairs, and trips.
Serve as a subject matter resource for youth, volunteers, families, community organizations, and the public; promote 4-H and Cornell Cooperative Extension programming in response to community needs.
Implement program evaluation, collect participant data, assist with outcome analysis, and prepare required reports.
Recruit, onboard, orient, screen, train, and support 4-H volunteers; coordinate club operations, volunteer communications, enrollment, compliance, fundraising guidance, and recognition.
Coordinate volunteer meetings, trainings, leadership development, and recognition events; maintain volunteer and youth enrollment records using approved systems, including 4-H Online.
Coordinate scholarships, awards, public presentations, and youth recognition activities; assist with fundraising, including Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaigns.
Monitor assigned budgets, club funds, and financial procedures; assist with grant implementation, purchasing, invoicing, reporting, and documentation.
Ensure compliance with Extension and New York State 4-H policies, grant and insurance requirements, safety procedures, and risk management practices.
Coordinate Jefferson County 4-H participation in the Jefferson County Fair, including enrollment, exhibits, activities, volunteer coordination, scheduling, communications, recognition, and evaluation.
Coordinate Jefferson County 4-H participation in the New York State Fair, including selection, registration, documentation, transportation logistics, communications, chaperones, and participant support.
Coordinate assigned programs and operations, including 4-H clubs, volunteer development, Horse Program, Shooting Sports, Fort Drum and military-connected programming, school and afterschool programming, and district, regional, and statewide opportunities.
Support other Youth and Family Program initiatives and special events, including Mad City Money, AG Venture Days, National 4-H Week, Student Government, Camp Wabasso programming and trips, family engagement, and community outreach.
Coordinate educational exhibits, promotional efforts, public presentations, outreach, and 4-H club demonstrations; maintain professional relationships with partner organizations and agencies.
Maintain accurate participation records, inventories, financial documentation, evaluation data, and required reports.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the supervisor and appropriate Extension leadership; attend staff meetings, report expenses, collaborate with staff, market Extension programs, and perform other assigned duties.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable regulations and association safety requirements, prevent accidents and injuries, and communicate hazards to supervisors.
Transport program participants and/or program materials and resources when required by position responsibilities.