Nature-Based Educator - Binghamton, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

About The Position

The Nature-Based Educator serves as the 4-H and Community Nature-Based Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Broome County. The position implements established nature-based programming and activities for adults and children, including topics such as birds, mammals, insects, trees, and pond studies, as well as other programming aligned with the Nature-Based Plan of Work. It delivers research-based information through direct teaching, field programs and tours, workshops, mass media, newsletters, and online methods, and engages the public through outreach and partnerships. The educator refers questions to appropriate specialists or agencies and works under the direction of the Environment Program Lead with community members, service providers, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. The role also coordinates administrative aspects of the program and assists with marketing and fundraising for 4-H and Community Nature-Based Education Programming. This is a part-time, non-exempt position of 22.5 hours per week, paid at $21.63 per hour. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, based on eligibility, including health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave.

Requirements

Associate’s degree or equivalent education; alternatively, a GED/high school diploma and one year of transferable program or functional experience.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to meet associated travel requirements.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional relationships.
Ability to support safe work practices and follow applicable health and safety requirements.

Nice To Haves

Understanding and familiarity with education, ecology, animal science, natural resources, agriculture, youth development, or human development.
Experience with 4-H Youth Development education in Cooperative Extension or another youth development organization.
Ability to plan, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs for individuals and groups, adults and youth, using varied delivery methods.
Ability to work as a team member with volunteers and staff.
Ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
Ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing, and visually.
Ability to use computer technologies for educational and communication purposes.

Responsibilities

Implement established nature-based programming and activities for adults and children, including programming on birds, mammals, insects, trees, and pond studies.
Deliver research-based education through direct teaching, field programs and tours, workshops, mass media, newsletters, and online channels.
Engage the public through program delivery, community outreach, and partnerships; refer questions to appropriate specialists or agencies.
Work with community members, service providers, nonprofits, and municipalities to support nature-based education.
Coordinate administrative aspects of the Nature-Based Education Program and assist with its marketing and fundraising.
Foster acceptance of 4-H Youth Development programs, methods, and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
Use established materials to serve as a subject matter resource in 4-H Youth Development areas and provide standard responses.
Assist educators with program promotion, registration management, and preparation of the monthly newsletter.
Work with the Issue Leader and other educators to expand educational offerings and community partnerships.
Occasionally develop lesson plans under the direction and oversight of the Issue Leader, using established subject matter knowledge.
Teach established 4-H Youth Development and community programs, including nature and environmental programming, and support other identified 4-H program efforts.
Work cooperatively with Association and 4-H Youth Development staff to meet program delivery goals.
Implement program evaluations as designed; interact with participants to collect evaluation data and assess program effectiveness.
Assist with analysis of program data, recommend improvements based on findings, and communicate evaluation findings to constituents as appropriate.
Provide established guidance to volunteers and staff, as appropriate.
Maintain confidentiality; keep participant records and complete funder-required reports.
Coordinate and assist with projects and outreach under the Supervisor’s direction; compile, edit, and format program resources and materials.
Compile, tally, and format participant evaluation data using the existing framework.
Provide input for program budget preparation and submit program expense reports; support identified fund development activities.
Assist with marketing and promotion through print, news, social, and multimedia channels.
Organize and coordinate 4-H Youth Development activities and assist the Issue Leader with volunteer coordination.
Maintain professional relationships with agencies, organizations, and businesses to support communication and ongoing programming.
Transport program participants and/or program materials and resources when required by position responsibilities.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan with the Supervisor and/or Executive Director.
Support Cornell Cooperative Extension through staff meetings, timely expense reporting, collaboration, program marketing, and other assigned duties.
Support a safe working environment, follow applicable health and safety requirements, help prevent accidents and injuries, and report hazards to supervisors.