CCE of Yates County Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator – Penn Yan, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

6d•$18 - $20

About The Position

The Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator provides program coordination and support to the Horticulture and Natural Resources programs and helps share relevant information with Yates County residents through a trained volunteer corps. The role is the primary contact and coordinator for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Climate Stewards, and Yates County Master Forest Owner volunteers. The coordinator delivers and supports educational programs for adults and youth, coordinates volunteer events and trainings, maintains program resources and volunteer records, and assists with outreach, marketing, evaluation, events, and administrative operations. The position also supports horticulture and natural resources activities such as the county fair, fundraisers, educational seminars, and Gardening Matters Day. The role includes general office support as needed, adherence to organizational policies and safety requirements, and other duties as assigned. This is a part-time, non-exempt position scheduled for 20 hours per week. Compensation is $18–$20 per hour. No relocation or visa sponsorship is available.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent education; a GED or high school diploma plus one year of transferable program or functional experience may substitute.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agriculture, small farms, and market connections.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and proficiency communicating in English.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Proficiency with Windows-based software, the internet, and Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.
Ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts and relate effectively to coworkers, advisors, community members, and professional leaders.
Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
Ability to work in a typical office environment, including lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work materials, and equipment, with or without accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Two years of job-related experience in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, sustainability, environmental education, or a related field.
Experience guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community partners, and funding partners.
Ability to communicate through verbal, written, and visual channels using traditional educational methods and tools as well as electronic technology, such as video, audio, and computers.
Ability to identify and use program resources from the organization and community.
Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work on time.

Responsibilities

Deliver existing educational programs and activities for adults and youth in agriculture, natural resources, and consumer horticulture using appropriate instructional methods and materials.
Conduct in-service training for volunteers and provide subject-matter resources to program participants.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension professionally to participants, volunteers, community members, public officials, and partner organizations.
Participate in program evaluation, collect evaluation data, report results, and contribute to program improvements and annual planning.
Assist with administrative planning, marketing strategies, public affairs, special events, identification of resources, and budget development.
Support volunteer recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, management, and conflict resolution in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Prepare, maintain, coordinate, and organize teaching materials, program resources, and communications.
Schedule volunteer events, meetings, and trainings; support special projects and Association activities, including the County Fair, fundraising, and enrollment campaigns.
Assist with newsletters, media releases, bulk mailings, social media, website updates, and other communications to increase program visibility.
Support marketing and promotion of Horticulture and Natural Resources programming through public relations, networking, and collaboration with community organizations.
Interact with Master Gardener and garden volunteers; assist with volunteer projects and outreach; monitor and track volunteer activities and hours.
Maintain the Master Gardener and Natural Resources Volunteer Database and conduct background, MVR, and DOJ checks; ensure annual volunteer training compliance.
Assist with horticulture and natural resources activities and exhibits at the county fair; coordinate fundraisers, educational seminars, and Gardening Matters Day.
Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts, supporting documentation, and vouchers according to policy and deadlines.
Maintain confidentiality and provide information for reports, impact statements, and success stories.
Assist with budget implementation, allocations, and preparation, and help identify ways to reduce costs and use resources effectively.
Maintain professional relationships with agencies, organizations, and businesses; collaborate with administration staff to provide general office and reception support as required.
Pursue professional development in cooperation with the supervisor and/or Executive Director.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable safety requirements and organizational policies, communicate hazards, and perform assigned duties professionally and accurately.
Transport oneself and/or program materials and resources when required by position responsibilities.