Natural Resources Educator - East Meadow, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

8d•$66,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

This position will serve as the Natural Resources Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Nassau County and under the leadership and oversight of the Senior Natural Resources Educator will implement existing Natural Resources educational programming and activities at East Meadow Farm (EMF) and throughout Nassau County related to climate adaptation and resiliency. The Natural Resources Educator will serve as a professional in the delivery of educational and technical assistance programs that support municipalities in planning for climate change adaptation and resilience. This role will focus heavily on the application of climate change modeling and scenario planning to inform local decision-making and community preparedness. Working collaboratively with local governments, regional partners, and cross-disciplinary teams, the Natural Resources Educator will assist in the creation and implementation of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plans (CCARPs). The position will serve as a subject matter resource in climate science, coastal ecosystems, clean energy transitions, land conservation, and nature-based solutions and green infrastructure. Key responsibilities include translating community demographic and climate data into accessible, actionable insights; facilitating scenario planning workshops; and supporting municipal leaders in identifying strategies to mitigate risk and enhance community resilience. The Educator will also lead public outreach and training efforts, develop educational materials, and maintain up-to-date knowledge on state and federal climate policies, tools, and resources.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or closely related field in Natural Resources.
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 work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to work in outdoor conditions.

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years volunteer or work experience in climate change planning, sustainability, urban and community forestry, water quality, land-use planning, and/or community engagement.
Experience with GIS software.
Demonstrated ability to utilize program resources within the general community.
Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
Demonstrated ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes.
Ability to work effectively in a remote office location if needed.
Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Apply Natural Resources subject matter information and knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community.
Analyze Natural Resources Program needs.
Make recommendations for Natural Resources programmatic offerings, enhancements and/or improvements as appropriate.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and staff for the purpose of program assessment guidance.
Ensure Natural Resources Program assessment is within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work and fulfillment of any funding or contractual obligations.
May assist in multi-Association team efforts to assess programs.
Apply Natural Resources subject matter knowledge to develop innovative educational programming and strategies.
Research, identify and select existing resources for program use.
Create program materials to address clients’ needs.
Structure Natural Resources Programs to meet the diverse needs of the community and program participants.
Interpret both Association and University program direction to create educational programs.
Develop Extension/Cornell University faculty connections for guidance with program development.
May be involved in assisting with multi-disciplinary and multi-Association team efforts in developing programs to address priority issues in Natural Resources.
Develop programming to meet changing local issues in the area of Natural Resources.
Use a system of on-going involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.
Occasionally teach existing Natural Resources educational programs as defined.
Evaluate and utilize a wide variety of proven educational methodologies in program delivery efforts.
Apply subject matter expertise to create innovative lesson plans necessary to deliver high-quality educational programming.
Serve as subject matter expert in the area of Natural Resources to staff and participants, community organizations and the general public.
Work to foster acceptance of the Natural Resources Program, methods and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
Implement and facilitate a menu of educational programming, as needed, both virtually and in the community, to include, but not limited to: climate change adaptations and resiliency; urban and community forestry; coastal protection; & land conservation education programs.
Implement and facilitate Natural Resources program activities.
Interact with municipalities and communities in a positive manner, helping them meet their desired goals as a part of program delivery efforts.
Provide educational program efforts via mass media.
Deliver educational programs as a part of multi-association efforts when identified/appropriate.
Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other Land Grand University faculty and staff as part of program delivery.
Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Natural Resources staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.
Apply Natural Resources subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational program offerings.
Design/create program evaluation framework.
Implement program evaluation as designed.
Analyze collected program evaluation data.
Ensure programs meet the requirements of funding and/or contractual requirements.
Make recommendations for programming improvements.
May be involved in multidisciplinary and/or Multi-Association team efforts for the purpose of program evaluation.
Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and staff for program evaluation guidance.
May have direct linkage with other Land Grant University faculty and staff for program evaluation guidance.
Communicate evaluation results and findings to constituents and program funders.
Collect and/or evaluate field samples related to the Natural Resources program and/or for applied research projects conducted in partnership with Cornell University faculty.
Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
Ensure applied research is within the scope of the local and statewide Plan of Work.
Assist in conducted applied research in conjunction with Land Grant University Faculty as outline in Cornell Cooperative Extension program definition and standard.
Assist in the collaboration with Cornell Faculty to design and/or create applied research collection framework.
Interpret Association and University program direction to plan educational programs in Natural Resources.
Under the supervision of the Senior Natural Resources Educator, work in cooperation with team members to help establish priorities and objectives for the Natural Resources Program Area.
Plan the delivery of established Natural Resources Program goals.
Assist in the design of a system of ongoing involvement of municipal staff, government officials, and community members which express the demographics of the community.
Plan educational programs and program delivery initiatives in the Natural Resources Program Area.
Assist in planning fund development activities as appropriate.
Assist in planning major public events and programs, including, but not limited to: planning of mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
Provide moderate-complexity administrative management of established educational program goals.
Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e. program supplies and materials) to the Supervisor.
Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures involving the Supervisor and/or Association Executive Director when appropriate.
Assist in managing fund development activities as appropriate.
Organize and coordinate program activities related to climate adaptations and resiliency.
Coordinate program activities that foster a robust participant base, including, but not limited to: recruiting initiatives and events, recognition events, and other programs and program activities as identified.
Provide administrative support for assigned Natural Resources Programs including, but not limited to: preparing correspondence, maintaining files, maintaining participant records, etc. ensuring confidentiality of all information.
Coordinate a menu of educational activities, as needed, virtually and in the community, to include, but not limited to: climate change adaptations and resiliency; coastal protection; & land conservation education programs.
Coordinate effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
Collect evaluation data and program needs assessments from program participants based on existing evaluation framework and guidelines.
Effectively maintain professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.
In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform 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.