The Educator is primarily responsible for delivering community horticulture and gardening-based educational programs for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County (CCE Saratoga). Program areas include but are not limited to responding to consumer calls (regarding vegetables, fruits, trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, insects, diseases of plants, weeds, and household pests, etc.), assisting with Master Gardner Volunteers (MGV) education, public presentations, one-to-one contacts, home visits, and other related programs as assigned. The Educator frequently collaborates with the public, local and county educational institutions, local businesses, community agencies, and decision makers.The Educator works closely with their supervisor to ensure that programming efforts are followed and provides input on program priorities. The Educator works as part of a dynamic team recruiting and reaching diverse audiences and delivering existing or new programs which can change based on needs, new partnerships, grant initiatives, etc.Application Instructions In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s). Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected] Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) for additional guidance. All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/Apply By All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on November 21, 2024. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. An Associate’s degree plus 2 years related experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.
Ability to meet the frequent travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver’s license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
Ability to effectively deliver assigned programs; meet program goals; and meet data collection and reporting requirements.
Technology Skills - Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and deliver virtual programs as needed. Ability to learn and effectively use software including use of the internet, program related software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Communication Skills - Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions; the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in typical office and educational environments. In addition, the position frequently lifts, moves, or transports program related materials and equipment. The position regularly works in outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat, precipitation and cold. This position frequently performs or demonstrates horticulture techniques by frequently positioning self (for example, pulling, bending, reaching, touching, kneeling, using hands to feel/reach).
Preferred Qualifications
Degree or coursework in horticulture, plant pathology, entomology, or related fields.
Knowledge or experience with horticulture (vegetables, annuals, perennials and woody ornamentals), plant science, landscape design, invasive species, Integrated Pest Management, and ticks, Lyme disease, and other tick-borne diseases.
Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions
Program Responsibilities:Program Delivery – 70%
Respond to consumer calls and office visits regarding community horticulture topics including vegetables, fruits, trees and shrubs, annuals and perennials, insects, diseases of plants, weeds, and household pests.
Deliver existing educational programs and assist with innovative programs via public presentations, on-to-one contacts, and home visits.
Serve as subject matter resource; provide standard responses.
Extend educational resources and help participants make connections (including referrals) to other Extension programs and community resources.
Participate as an active member of the team.
Foster acceptance of the program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.
Interact effectively with program participants to provide positive programming and support.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.
Occasionally apply established subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans as identified.
May assist in delivering innovative educational programs.
May assist in multidisciplinary or multi-association team efforts to deliver programs.
Program Evaluation – 5%
Implement program evaluation as designed.
Assist in making recommendations for improvements.
Administrative Responsibilities:Direction – 5%
Assist in planning assigned programs.
Assist in developing, expanding, and enhancing relationships for the program.
Management – 5%
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise utilizing appropriate policies and procedures and with supervisory guidance as needed.
Assist the supervisor with MGV management.
Coordination/Operation – 10%
Facilitate and coordinate assigned programs, trainings, events, and meetings.
Compile and maintain resources (publications, factsheets, supplies, etc.).
Maintain Master Gardener Volunteer database.
Recruit program participants.
Maintain program tools and equipment.
Assist the supervisor with marketing, drafting impacts statements, social media posts, etc.
Complete and submit all required reports, records, and documentation (e.g., program data, evaluation data, incident reports, expense reports, etc.) in a timely manner.
Maintain confidentiality of information regarding all program participants.
Professional Improvement – 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 and Association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions
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.
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 Saratoga 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.
Position Details
This is a nonexempt position, 40 hours/week. Compensation paid at the rate of $24 per hour. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:
Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave
Paid Holidays
NYS Health Insurance Program (including free Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Group Universal Life Insurance
Personal Accidental Insurance
Legal Plan Insurance
Long Term Care Insurance
Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Pet Insurance
New York’s College Savings Program
ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503.https://ccesaratoga.org/Job Title:Association Subject Educator ILevel:004Pay Rate Type:HourlyCompany:Contract CollegeContact Name:Jim McNaughtonCornell 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 (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.