This position will serve as the Agriculture Resource Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Chemung County. Under the leadership and oversight of the Association Executive Director, the Agriculture Resource Educator will be the lead team member in developing, planning, implementing, managing, and evaluating the Agriculture and Natural Resource programs education and outreach, including Energy Task Force, NYSERDA Energy Hub, Elmira Urban Green Equity (EUGE), and any additional programs as assigned. They will act as the topical lead for the Agriculture program outreach and education, which will include, but not be limited to, agricultural production, management, marketing, business development, tourism, and public relations issues. The primary audience for programming will include agricultural producers and related service providers; new entrepreneurs in production, processing, and agriculture-related business, including agricultural tourism; and community members whose support of agriculture is important. The Agriculture Resource Educator will identify and assess educational program needs, develop program goals and objectives, and plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adults. This position will teach in both group and individual settings utilizing a variety of delivery methods, including, but not limited to, workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits, and mass media. Agriculture projects, including those supported by external funders, will focus on enhancing the viability of local agriculture and linking local producers and agri-businesses with available expertise, including other local and regional Association staff and Cornell University faculty. This position will work with community stakeholders to implement Chemung County’s Ag and Farmland Protection Plan and support the Chemung County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board. The Agriculture Resource Educator will work closely with the South-Central Dairy and Field Crops Team and other CCE program work teams as appropriate.

This position directly supervises the Agriculture and Natural Resources programs at CCE Chemung. The position will work closely with the Association Executive Director to identify, apply for, implement, and evaluate grants and projects to support Agriculture and Natural Resource program staff. The Agriculture Resource Educator will provide guidance, direction, and support to program staff and volunteers utilizing existing policies, procedures, and best practices. This position will evaluate and analyze the impact of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs using a variety of assessment tools, interpret evaluation data, and utilize that data to help guide future program offerings and identify and secure additional program funding. This position will work as an Association team member in addressing local, regional, and statewide programming priorities as appropriate.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on October 31, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the “APPLY” button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/.

Please contact Katie Curren, Association Operations Coordinator at 607-734-4453 with questions. 

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $55,000.00 to $62,000.00 commensurate with experience. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in agriculture, agri-business, or a closely related field.
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Three or more years of direct supervisory experience with diverse project teams.
• Grant writing and project management experience, including program coordination, program implementation, and program evaluation.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
• Five or more years of direct supervisory experience with diverse project teams.
• Three or more years of experience in grant writing and grant management.
• Three or more years of project management experience, including program coordination, program implementation, and program evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with farmers, agribusiness, advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software, including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Assessment – 15%

• Develop a methodology to assess the agriculture program and ensure that the program needs and strategic needs of the Association are being satisfied.
• Ensure program assessment is aligned with the statewide Plan of Work and the Association Plan of Work.
• Develop program needs assessment.
• Apply subject matter knowledge to identify program gaps and emerging needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements or improvements.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program for program assessment guidance.

Development – 15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop Agricultural educational programming, materials, and activities that meet identified needs, goals, and objectives within the county.
• Develop educational programs, activities, and materials for agriculture to enhance local and regional agriculture understanding and connection to consumers in identified areas of program concentration.
• Structure programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants and meet changing local and/or regional issues.
• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.
• Maintain linkages with Cornell faculty and other subject matter specialists for guidance in program development.
• Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens including an active advisory committee and/or community stakeholders in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.

Delivery – 20%

• Occasionally deliver Agriculture educational programming, and create linkages between food consumers and agricultural producers. Topics include, but will not be limited to: agricultural production, management, marketing, business development, tourism, and public relations issues.
• Occasionally implement educational programs through workshops, seminars, demonstrations, interest groups, newsletters, farm visits, mass media and agri-business contacts utilizing established resources and per established program parameters, and apply subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver these educational programs as appropriate.
• Interact with farmers and business owners in a positive manner, helping them meet their desired goals.
• Work to foster acceptance of Agriculture methods and practices while addressing needs in the agriculture community and considering diverse audiences.
• Deliver educational programs as a part of multi-association and/or regional efforts when identified/appropriate.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County in a professional manner and communicate and cooperate with the public, agribusinesses, veterinarians, feed dealers, government officials, community leaders, Cornell and/or other land grant universities as a part of program delivery.
• Evaluate and utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, social media, Facebook, Twitter, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.
• Facilitate awareness of, and promote agricultural producers’ involvement with, the Regional Agriculture Teams as a part of program delivery.
• Serve as subject matter expert in the area of Agriculture to connect staff and clientele, including schools, agencies, producers, consumers, and other groups (as identified) with relevant agricultural resources to enhance and improve Agriculture awareness.
• Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and the Agriculture Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.

Evaluation – 10%

• Develop program evaluation framework and tools based on subject matter knowledge to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.
• Interact with program participants, the community, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
• Analyze and evaluate collected program evaluation data and communicate results and findings.
• Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.

Applied Research – 10%

• Collect and/or evaluate field samples related to the educational program and/or for applied research project(s) 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 scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 10%

• Determine Association program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with the Association Executive Director, Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.
• Plan the delivery of short and long-term education programs surrounding agricultural business development and marketing using a variety of methods in the area based on association plan of work and community needs identified in the Chemung County Ag and Farmland Protection Plan.
• Assist the Association Executive Director in establishing an active Agriculture Program Advisory Committee with a wide representation of community members to create program goals.
• Provide input to the Executive Director for the planning of the Agriculture and Natural Resources program budgets.
• Assist with development of marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and agricultural organizations.
• Under the oversight of the Association Executive Director, initiate and develop grant or other funding proposals in order to secure ongoing or new funding to support and enhance educational program offerings.
• Assist the Associate Executive Director in identifying, developing, and securing community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement, including grant funds for program development and expansion.
• Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries and community leaders for the program.
• Complete an annual Implementation Plan as well as Outreach Plan for the Executive Director to review.

Management – 10%

• Manage administrative and program activities, as required.
• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Provide supervision to assigned staff and oversight to volunteers and program assistants, providing appropriate feedback, coaching, and performance management, and annual performance evaluations, seeking guidance and support from the Association Executive Director as necessary.
• Manage and allocate program resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with the Association Executive Director, Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.
• Monitor program to ensure compliance with policies and objectives of the Association, funding requirements, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
• Effectively manage and allocate financial resources to accomplish program objectives. Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, social media, website postings and content.
• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County on local Agriculture committees/boards, etc. as appropriate
• Coordinate marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and agricultural organizations.
• Coordinate meetings and events in assigned program areas.
• Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, Board and others as necessary.
• Submit appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required.
• This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned – 5%

• 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 in programming and association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension 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.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar 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.

EEO/EPO and Policy – Applied to all duties and functions.

• 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.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Chemung 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

Job Title:

Association Resource Educator

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

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