Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator - Elmira, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

About The Position

The Senior Resource Educator provides leadership in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programming for the community in horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources. In collaboration with the Executive Director, community stakeholders, regional partners, Cornell faculty, and other organizations, the educator identifies local and regional needs and develops programs aligned with community priorities and the statewide Plan of Work. The role also provides leadership and support for the Master Gardener’s Program and serves audiences including producers, industry members, small-scale farmers, rural landowners, organizations, and volunteers. The educator assesses program needs; develops and delivers research-based educational programming; conducts applied research and evaluations; and communicates findings and recommendations. The position includes program leadership, funding development, budget and deliverable oversight, volunteer recruitment and support, community outreach, marketing, reporting, and coordination with Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and partners. The role also includes professional development and general support of Extension activities. This is a full-time, exempt position at 100% FTE, with an annual salary of $62,353. The position requires travel and flexible hours that may include evenings and weekends. Applicants must submit a complete online application, including a cover letter, resume, and three references, by October 29, 2026. Employment visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Master’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, or a related discipline relevant to the position.
At least two years of progressively responsible experience in Cooperative Extension or equivalent professional experience.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to define, conduct, and interpret applied research and demonstration projects and data, and communicate unbiased information to stakeholders and the public.
Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, organize, teach, conduct, and evaluate agriculture and natural resources education programs for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse people and groups, including coworkers, community and professional leaders, organizations, and volunteers.
Demonstrated oral, written, and visual communication skills, including use of electronic technology such as video, audio, and computers.
Computer proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Office, database, and internet software.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, make decisions, delegate tasks, attend to detail, manage multiple tasks, and work under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to lead and participate effectively in team efforts, including identifying and involving appropriate experts and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and work with coworkers, advisors, community and professional leaders, volunteers, and identified clientele.
High degree of integrity, sound professional judgment, and ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to speak, read, and write proficiently in English.
Ability to identify and use community program resources and establish a leadership role within the community and Association.
Ability to transport or move supplies and equipment and climb stairs, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Cooperative Extension’s organization, operation, philosophy, and objectives at the county, state, and federal levels.
Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs.
Familiarity with the community where the work will take place and ability to use local program resources.
Coursework or demonstrated skills in management and educational methods.
Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.
Experience guiding or developing volunteers and collaborating with them.

Responsibilities

Assess local and regional horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources needs, gaps, and trends in collaboration with partners, advisory groups, agencies, and program participants.
Recommend program offerings, enhancements, and improvements based on needs assessments.
Develop innovative educational strategies, programs, materials, and activities that address identified needs and consider community diversity.
Build and maintain relationships with Cornell faculty and administrators, agencies, organizations, industries, community leaders, and other partners.
Deliver educational programming using methods such as direct teaching, group experiences, media, publications, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning.
Contribute educational content to Association publications, social media accounts, and website postings.
Serve as a subject matter expert in agriculture and natural resources for staff, volunteers, participants, organizations, and the public.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension professionally before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, and other Land Grant Universities.
Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs; document and communicate evaluation findings and recommendations.
Conduct applied research with Cornell faculty and other partners, including collecting and processing soil, plant, and insect diagnostic laboratory samples.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University specialists that may warrant study or action.
Seek and prepare proposals to secure program funding, involving relevant Association and Cornell stakeholders.
Establish goals, priorities, and objectives for horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources programs.
Plan public awareness, communications, marketing, and promotion efforts, including impact statements, reports, news releases, and event promotion.
Monitor educational content for alignment with Association policies, objectives, and research; ensure project deliverables are completed within budget.
Guide and support Extension educators and help identify the activities and resources needed to meet program priorities.
Develop and engage volunteer networks and leaders; support volunteer recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management in accordance with established procedures.
Compile data, written reports, and work plans; provide administrative support for program design and implementation.
Attend meetings, Association events, and staff development opportunities as requested, and maintain professional relationships that support programming.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the supervisor and/or Executive Director.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable health and safety requirements, prevent accidents and injuries, and communicate identified hazards to supervisors.
Carry out other duties as assigned.