Distributed Wind Program Educator - Ithaca, NY

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•$62,400 - $62,400

About The Position

The Distributed Wind Program Educator is responsible for the programmatic and administrative direction, management, and coordination of the Distributed Wind Program, a state-wide renewable energy education program focused on education on distributed wind resources and technologies for farmers, small rural businesses, and other key stakeholders. This position provides administrative support; program guidance (with assessment and development oversight provided by the supervising Senior Resource Educator); direct outreach to the ag community and other key stakeholders; and acts as the liaison to National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL), and other subject matter experts. This position is responsible for recruitment and hiring of interns (if it is determined that interns would be appropriate for the program) in consultation with the direct supervisor and stakeholders. This position functions within the policies and procedures of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (CCETC) and must be able to work effectively with colleagues and community stakeholders, Association personnel, volunteers, and local committees as well as personnel from other CCE associations. This individual represents CCETC and the Distributed Wind Program with community leaders, government officials, other CCE associations, our subcontractors, and Cornell University. This person also receives ongoing guidance, support, and supervision from the supervising Senior Resource Educator, and works collaboratively with Cornell faculty and staff, other Issue Leaders and Extension Educators in delivery of programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Energy, or related field, or relevant experience.
Ability to create and manage complex budgets with multiple funding sources, including grants.
Knowledge and experience with emerging issues in energy and agriculture.
Dynamic, highly organized, motivated.
Self-directed and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs.
Ability to collaborate and work effectively with stakeholders..
Ability to deliver detailed grant reporting.
Ability to multi-task.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and with electronic technology.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards (DMV and criminal background checks).
Basic skills in the use of modern electronic technology and software (e.g., video, audio, computers, Microsoft Office Programs, social media, internet and database software, etc.)
Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels and educational tools.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to teach informal educational programs.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
Ability to plan and organize individual work responsibilities according to priorities developed with other team members and the immediate supervisor.
Ability to utilize program resources within the community.
Knowledge of diverse audiences (including at-risk audiences) and local communities.
Commitment to working with diverse program participants in their homes and surrounding communities.
Ability to frequently carry supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to read English and interpret documents such as instructions, safety, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively with external customers and employees.

Nice To Haves

Experience with agriculture and familiarity with agriculture stakeholders throughout NY.
Knowledge of agencies and community programs that support clean energy development in the state.
Experience in web page support/maintenance.
Experience in working in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Influence the creation of Program Materials based on identified needs and resources.
Support supervisor and Ag Energy NY team in the research, identification, and selection of resources for the program.
Collaborate with National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) staff and other experts to create and deliver effective programming.
Apply subject matter knowledge to deliver educational programs.
Serve as subject matter resource on recommendations for on-farm wind energy systems in NY.
Work with municipal officials in areas affected by small-scale distributed wind energy systems to better understand the technology and policy implications.
Collaborate with Cornell faculty conducting social science and other applied research related to small-scale distributed wind energy systems.
Work with the advisory group to incorporate their expertise into program design and delivery.
Represent the program in a variety of educational, business, community and governmental settings as part of program delivery.
Speak to relevant organizations about the program as part of program delivery.
Teach innovative educational programs with discretion.
Interact with various constituencies to evaluate the program.
Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data to constituencies.
Make recommendations for improvement based on evaluations.
Plan the delivery of the Distributed Wind Program.
Plan the structure for delivery of program via various methods.
Develop marketing strategies in the generation of an appropriate public image for the Distributed Wind Program.
Set Distributed Wind Program team goals with support from direct supervisor, NREL program staff, and subcontractors.
Participate as team member in developing well-integrated association educational efforts.
Demonstrate judgement and discretion to independently solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the Program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures, as needed.
With initiative and discretion, provide leadership and management to Distributed Wind Program interns and volunteers for all delegated and assigned functions.
Ensure program activities conform to the Association and NREL-funded Distributed Wind Program Plan of Work.
Provide management and oversight regarding program implementation, distributed wind resource recommendations, and plans of work with collaborators and subcontractors.
Take a lead effort in guiding the Distributed Wind Program Advisory Group.
Work with web/database technologies and developers to create and manage a system for tracking and maintaining recruitment and follow-up of farmers with interest in adopting distributed wind.
Ensure content on Ag Energy NY website is updated.
Monitor and manage a complex program budget based on the work plan.
Contribute knowledge regarding program needs and goals to grant/contract operations and proposals.
Coordinate completion of administrative reports, as assigned by supervisor.
Coordinate compliance activities and reporting with CCETC and NREL administrative guidelines.
Act as liaison with NREL, subcontractors, agencies/college/University offices, agriculture community stakeholders, supporting agencies, and collaborators.
Implement professional development training for agricultural educators in the Ag Energy NY Program.
In cooperation with Supervisor, Agriculture & Horticulture Issue Leader, and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general supportive of CCETC including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and 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.
Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
Adheres to established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins 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.