Beginner Farmer Educator - Liberty, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for the CCE Sullivan Beginner Farmer Program, supporting new and beginning farmers through education, technical assistance, and resource development that strengthens farm viability and local agricultural economic development. Program areas include farm business and production fundamentals, workforce development, regulatory and farm and food safety education, marketing and distribution, and access to land, capital, and markets. The Beginner Farmer Educator also plans, implements and manages the CCE Sullivan Beginner Farmer Mentorship Program. This includes recruitment, coordination, supervision, and support of volunteer farm mentors; development and delivery of mentor and mentee orientation and training; and establishment of clear expectations, communication protocols, and program guidelines. The Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for matching farm mentors with beginner farmer mentees based on experience, production focus, capacity, and goals, and for facilitating effective mentor–mentee relationships. In addition, the Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for data collection, tracking, and reporting for the mentorship program, including maintaining program records, monitoring participation and outcomes, documenting mentor and mentee activities, and preparing required funder reports to support program evaluation, continuous improvement, and grant compliance. The Beginner Farmer Educator also supports applied research, evaluation, and data collection activities as required by program objectives and grant deliverables, in accordance with established CCE frameworks and funder requirements. The Beginner Farmer Educator represents Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University to program participants, community organizations, government agencies, and agricultural partners and contributes to outreach, grant-funded initiatives, and collaborative efforts that advance the success of beginning farmers in the region.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in agricultural production, agronomy, animal sciences, agricultural business, or a related field, plus relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree and four years’ transferable relevant evidence-based research experience is acceptable.
Experience in agricultural production, agricultural business, or animal sciences education and outreach.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to plan and manage individual work responsibilities in alignment with priorities set with the supervisor and team.
Ability to teach informal educational programs.
Ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts.
Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using educational tools.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively with external stakeholders and colleagues.
Basic proficiency with modern electronic technology and software, including computers, video and audio tools, Microsoft Office applications, social media, and internet‑ and database‑based systems.
Knowledge of diverse audiences, including at‑risk populations, and local communities.
Ability to identify and utilize program and community resources.
Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to meet travel requirements using personal and association vehicles.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, including DMV and criminal history checks.
Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends as required.
Ability to read and interpret English‑language documents such as instructions, safety rules, and procedure manuals.
Ability to frequently carry supplies and equipment and climb stairs, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or coordinating mentorship, peer‑learning, or volunteer‑based programs.
Familiarity with beginner farmer programming and experience working with new or beginning farmers.
Experience with grant‑funded programming, including data collection, outcome tracking, evaluation, and reporting to funders.
Experience supporting applied research or program evaluation activities in alignment with program goals or grant deliverables.
Experience using databases, spreadsheets, or evaluation tools to monitor participation and program outcomes.
Strong facilitation skills and experience planning and teaching workshops, trainings, or experiential, hands‑on education programs for adult learners.
Experience with outreach, recruitment, and communications, including newsletters, social media, or development of educational materials.
Experience collaborating with community‑based organizations, agricultural agencies, service providers, or partner organizations.
Familiarity with Cornell Cooperative Extension, land‑grant systems, or applied community education models.

Responsibilities

Identify needs of beginning farmers through feedback, data, and advisory input.
Assist with development and updates of program strategies and materials.
Identify and use appropriate research-based resources.
Support community and advisory involvement in program planning.
Use evaluation results to improve programs.
Develop and deliver educational programs related to beginning farmer needs such as workshops, trainings, courses and learning sessions related to beginning farmer needs.
Deliver existing curricula and adapt teaching methods for adult learners.
Serve as a subject matter resource and respond to participant questions.
Engage program participants and represent CCE in program delivery.
Participate in team-based program delivery efforts.
Collect, analyze, and report program evaluation data.
Use evaluation results to document outcomes and improve programs.
Support applied research, data collection, and related reporting activities as required by program objectives and grant deliverables, using established CCE frameworks and protocols.
Plan and manage beginner farmer programs in alignment with the Association’s Plan of Work.
Determine program delivery methods, schedules, and outreach approaches.
Coordinate with staff, volunteers, and partners to deliver programs.
Develop and implement program communication and outreach efforts.
Provide guidance and support to volunteers and staff involved in the program.
Manage program budgets, expenses, and financial reporting.
Allocate program resources effectively.
Resolve program issues using sound judgment and Association policies.
Coordinate logistics and implementation of program activities and events.
Recruit and communicate with program participants.
Prepare and distribute educational materials.
Collect and manage program records, evaluation, and reporting data.
Transport materials and self to program sites as needed.
Submit expense reports and support budget tracking.
Prepare routine program communications.
Develop and follow an annual professional development plan with supervisor.
Participate in training and professional learning opportunities.
Perform other duties in support of Cornell Cooperative Extension 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.
Demonstrate respect and compassion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to all audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Sullivan County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.