Agriculture Educator - Auburn, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

4d•$53,000 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

This position will serve as the Agriculture Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cayuga County and will be responsible for planning, development, management, implementation and evaluation of agriculture educational programs. This position will teach in both group and individual settings utilizing a variety of delivery methods, to include, but not limited to: workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits, and mass media. The Educator will also be responsible for identifying and assessing educational program needs, developing program goals and objectives, and the evaluation of all program offerings. This position will serve as the frontline staff building strong customer relations in assisting producers in the agriculture industry. This position will work as an Association team member in addressing local, regional, and statewide programming priorities as appropriate. In addition, this position will implement educational programming for adults and youth in the areas of consumer and commercial horticulture. This position will be responsible for the delivery of established Horticulture programming to community groups, and will deliver other established Horticulture programming and activities, both on-site and off-site, in the community, in accordance with the Agriculture Program Area’s plan of work. This position will coordinate the Master Gardener Program, including the training and supervision of Master Gardener Program volunteers.

Requirements

Master’s Degree.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid New York State 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 appropriate.
Must have New York State Department of Environmental Conservation pesticide applicator certification, which can be obtained on the job within the first year.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of horticulture, including floriculture, ornamentals, turf, and vegetables.
Knowledge in forage and grain crop production
Knowledge of pesticides and their use, including integrated pest management.
Demonstrated ability to diagnose customers’ problems related to agriculture and horticulture topics.
Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
Experience in grant writing.
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.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
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.

Responsibilities

Develop methodology to assess the Agriculture program, including frequent interaction with producers through but not limited to farm visits, and ensure that comprehensive program and strategic needs of the Association are being satisfied.
Ensure program assessment is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.
Develop program needs assessment.
Apply subject matter knowledge to identify program gaps and emerging needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements or improvements.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program for program assessment guidance.
Apply subject matter knowledge to develop Agriculture educational programming, materials and activities to meet identified needs, goals and objectives within the county.
Develop Agricultural educational programs, activities and materials to enhance local and regional agriculture understanding and connection to consumers in identified areas of program concentration to include industry and youth audiences.
Structure programs to meet the need of diverse program participants and meet changing local and/or regional issues.
Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
Maintain linkages with Cornell faculty and other subject matter specialists for guidance in program development.
Lead hands-on learning experiences in gardening, food production, composting, and sustainability practices guided by youth voice and deep youth engagement.
Implement already-established Master Gardener Programs such as the Master Gardener Volunteer Program.
Respond to inquiries in the areas of agricultural production and consumer/commercial horticulture and provide established research based information in areas such as lawn maintenance, insect control and identification, soil testing, etc.
Deliver Agriculture educational programming, and create linkages between food, consumers and agricultural producers.
Implement educational programs through workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits, mass media and agri-business contacts utilizing established resources and per established program parameters, and apply dairy and livestock subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver these educational programs as appropriate.
Work to foster acceptance of the program, methods and practices while addressing needs in the agriculture community and considering diverse audiences.
Deliver educational programs as a part of multi-association and/or regional efforts when identified/appropriate.
Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and the Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County in a professional manner and communicate and cooperate with the public, agribusinesses, veterinarians, feed dealers, government officials, community leaders, Cornell and/or other land grant universities as a part of program delivery.
Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, social media, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.
Serve as subject matter expert to connect staff and clientele, including schools, agencies, producers, consumers, and other groups (as identified) with relevant agricultural resources to enhance and improve Agriculture awareness.
Develop program evaluation framework and tools based on subject matter knowledge to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.
Interact with program participants, the community, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
Analyze and evaluate collected program evaluation data and communicate results and findings.
Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
Ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.
Collect and process diagnostic laboratory samples.
Assist in conducting applied research in conjunction with Land Grant University faculty as outlined in CCE program definition and standard.
Assist in the collaboration with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework.
Determine Association program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.
Provide input for the planning of the program budget.
Assist with development of marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and agricultural organizations.
Initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals in order to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.
Assist in identifying, developing, and securing community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement, including grant funds for program development and expansion.
Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries and community leaders for the program.
Manage administrative and program activities, as required.
Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Manage and allocate program resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with Supervisor, Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.
Monitor program to ensure compliance with policies and objectives of the Association, funding requirements, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
Effectively manage and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives.
Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.
Provide oversight to Master Gardener Program Volunteers.
Provide training to Master Gardener Program Volunteers.
Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, social media, website postings and content.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County on local Agriculture committees/boards, etc. as appropriate
Coordinate marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and agricultural organizations.
Coordinate meetings and events in assigned program areas.
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.
Submit appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.
Write educational articles as assigned.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.
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.
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.