Administrative Assistant Community Horticulture - Riverhead, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

3d•$21 - $25

About The Position

The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support for the Community Horticulture Program within the CCE Agriculture Division, supporting the Master Gardener Program and public outreach about gardening in Suffolk County. The work includes correspondence with libraries and event contacts, recordkeeping and file organization, data entry, social media updates, program registration, supply orders, bookkeeping records, purchasing practices, and general clerical and administrative duties. The role performs administrative and coordination tasks, including scheduling meetings and appointments; preparing correspondence, forms, reports, letters, and brochures; entering data into computer programs and online systems; preparing routine reports; organizing registrations; tracking grant expenditures and helping reconcile budgets; maintaining program records; and responding to public inquiries by phone or email. The position also includes professional development and supporting the Association’s health and safety practices.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
Ability to understand written and oral directions.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Willingness to learn new tasks and ability to work independently.
Ability and willingness to work as a team member with CCE staff, Master Gardeners, and the public.
Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Ability to meet travel requirements.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
One or more years of administrative work experience.
Ability to use and update social media platforms to educate the public about current projects.
Awareness of the contributions and role of Suffolk County’s Master Gardener Program.
Awareness of the importance of public outreach about best gardening practices.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative support to the Community Horticulture Program, Master Gardener Program, and public gardening outreach.
Coordinate meetings, appointments, correspondence with libraries, and event-related communications.
Prepare and process correspondence, forms, reports, letters, and brochures.
Enter data into computer programs and online forms or systems.
Organize and process program registrations.
Maintain program bookkeeping records and follow the Association’s purchasing practices.
Track grant expenditures and assist with budget reconciliation.
Maintain program records and organize files.
Respond to public inquiries about Community Horticulture by email or phone.
Order supplies and perform general clerical and administrative duties.
Update social media as needed to support public outreach.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the Supervisor and/or Executive Director.
Support the Association in maintaining a safe working environment, follow applicable safety requirements, help prevent accidents and injuries, and report hazards.
Collaborate in activities supporting Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.