CCE of Ontario County: 4H Animal Science Educator – Canandaigua, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$20 - $24

About The Position

This position will serve as educator for youth and 4-H volunteer leaders in the area of livestock and agriculture for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County under supervision of the 4-H Resource Educator. Connect youth and adults to resources supporting activities (animal science, music, art, dance, hiking, fishing, gardening, biking) that promote agricultural education and animal science.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree. (Associate’s Degree and two years transferrable program/functional experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree.)
Ability to meet occasional 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 and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet, canva, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
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, etc.).
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.
Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or degree in animal science, agriculture, or related discipline.
Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.

Responsibilities

Program Delivery – 70%
Oversee the 4-H Livestock Auction including working with a volunteer committee, organizing educational opportunities, maintaining and developing community contacts, organizing the auction.
Assist 4-H parents and youth in 4-H project areas including but not limited to dairy, livestock, small animals, equine, agricultural marketing, leadership, horticulture, community collaborations, tractor safety course, public presentations, food and nutrition, and other engagement programs as identified.
Participate in special projects including but not limited to volunteer trainings, summer camp programming, County Fair, and other extension association activities, as assigned.
Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, volunteer training, media, newsletters, internet, and experiential learning to promote and deliver program.
Serve as subject matter resource in the area of community engagement, partnering as necessary with Cornell faculty, other CCE offices, local organizations and partner agencies.
Represent CCE of Ontario County at 4-H youth and community events as assigned.
Fill in at weekly After-School programming for mixed-age youth in Ontario County Schools as needed.
Assist with Agriculture in the Classroom and Dairy in the Classroom lessons, including during National Agriculture Literacy week in March.
Program Evaluation – 5%
Implement program evaluation as designed.
Interact with program participants, Association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Assist in recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction – 5%
Assist with establishing program goals and priorities.
Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
Assist with development of marketing and promotion of community engagement resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, libraries, economic, educational and artistic organizations to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.
Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries and community leaders for the program.
Management – 10%
Assist with volunteer management including: Ensuring volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures.
Assist with recruitment of volunteers for the 4-H programs, to include but not limited to, educational workshops, afterschool programs, 4-H Clubs, and county fair.
Assist with orientation of and guidance to 4-H volunteers in accordance with established practices and procedures.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Assist with identifying, anticipating, recommending and planning for Agricultural Program needs/supplies.
Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations.
Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
Make recommendations to supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
Coordination/Operation – 5%
Act as a point of contact for volunteers and potential volunteers within the County who have an interest in community engagement-related educational programs.
Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as contributing educational articles to program newsletters, media releases, bulk mailings, social media accounts, media interviews, website postings to increase program visibility and to address issues.
Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion of community engagement programming through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and other organizations.
Track and record volunteer and participant activity and complete required reporting.
Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected.
Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as requested.
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.
Policy – Applied to all duties and functions
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, and procedures.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.