Horticulture & Environment Educator - Elmsford, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

8d•$67,000 - $72,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County Horticulture and Environment Educator serves on the Horticulture and Environment team, implementing commercial green industry, consumer horticulture, and environmental programming that addresses local, regional, and statewide priorities and needs, including pest management. The role delivers and evaluates educational programs and may involve working with Master Gardener Volunteers and other community volunteers to conduct workshops and other activities. It is a public-facing position involving substantial interaction with horticulture professionals, volunteers, residents, community members, government representatives, and other constituents. The educator works independently under the general supervision of the Horticulture Program Manager and represents the Association and its program to the public, community leaders, government officials, the media, and Cornell University as needed and directed. Program demands vary by season, so the educator must be flexible. This is an in-office or field-based position and is not available for remote work. The position is full-time, benefits-eligible, and exempt, with compensation of $67,000 to $72,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The educator delivers programs and events, provides horticulture and pest-management information and diagnostic assistance, contributes to program evaluation, pursues professional development, and supports the overall work of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Duties also include following health and safety requirements, maintaining respectful interactions, adhering to Association policies, and completing assigned work professionally and accurately.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a related field.
One year of volunteer or related work experience.
Experience relevant to the role.
Ability to meet travel requirements and motor vehicle standards associated with the position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to analyze issues and initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal educational programs for diverse audiences.
Ability to use computer technology to author reports and proposals, communicate internally and externally, prepare visuals, access information, and learn and teach.
Knowledge and ability in horticultural science and integrated pest management.
Demonstrated ability to interact productively and respectfully with audiences reflective of the Westchester community.
Demonstrated laboratory analysis skills gained academically or through work.
Demonstrated ability to research and diagnose horticultural or pest-management problems.
Ability to relate effectively to coworkers, advisors, community and professional leaders, and clientele groups.
Ability to use resources effectively and identify and use program resources within the community.
Ability to use a variety of program-delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and visually using traditional educational tools and electronic technology, including video, audio, and computers.
Ability to lift, move, or transport supplies, tables, meeting materials, and equipment, and climb stairs, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to lift 15 pounds.
Ability to work outdoors or in agricultural settings, conduct site visits, negotiate uneven terrain, gather samples, and potentially perform manual labor for research and diagnosis, including in challenging weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality educational programs and events for the commercial green industry, consumers, and Master Gardener Volunteers, addressing local, regional, and statewide priorities and needs.
Assist in teaching innovative educational programs and events to diverse audiences.
Promote horticultural and pest-management best practices based on university and Extension research materials.
Use written articles, newsletters, demonstration projects, special events, tours, volunteers, media, electronic technology, the internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
Apply subject-matter knowledge to create lesson plans for educational programs.
Serve as a horticulture and gardening subject-matter resource and identify plants and pests from submitted samples.
Respond to community and commercial inquiries using subject-matter knowledge and available resources.
Interpret soil test results and provide recommendations in response to consumer and commercial requests.
Provide horticulture and gardening information in response to inquiries and submissions to the Diagnostic Lab or through written, electronic, and telephone channels.
Contribute articles to newsletters and provide program information through email, phone messages, websites, and other mass-media efforts.
Represent the Association professionally to the public, program participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell University, and others.
Collaborate with the Horticulture Program Manager to review program evaluations and recommend improvements.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the supervisor and/or Executive Director.
Collaborate in activities supporting Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable safety requirements, proactively prevent accidents and injuries, and communicate hazards to supervisors.
Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public; assist the Extension system in reaching diverse audiences; and adhere to Association policies and procedures.