This position serves as the Natural Resources Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Yates County and provides program development, delivery, implementation and administrative direction, management, and coordination to the aquatic and terrestrial invasive, watershed, Yates County Master Forest Owner, and the Northwest Regional Master Forest Owner educational program areas. This position plans, develops, coordinates, and implements programming and program activities that enhance educational outreach and awareness of natural resource topics and issues. This position also evaluates and analyzes the impact of programs using a variety of assessment tools and interprets evaluation data to help guide future program offerings.

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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu.

External 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 June 6, 2024 . Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in environmental studies/education, environmental communication, natural resources management, environmental science, ecology, sustainability, forestry, or related field.

• 2 years volunteer or related work experience (in an area of natural resources).

• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.

• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.

• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).

• Ability to frequently and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with external partners, program participants, employees, and others.

• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.

• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.

• Ability to present effective and relevant educational programs to target audiences (one-on-one and group) and work with diverse audiences of all ages maintaining cultural sensitivity.

• Ability to keep program participant information and records confidential.

• Technology Skills - Proficiency with or ability to learn Microsoft Office suite, database, internet, and virtual presentation software.

• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

• The position regularly works in outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, precipitation, primarily to demonstrate hands on environmental education at various locations like outdoor community events, farms, gardens, on the water via lake sampling, and other natural environmental settings.

  Preferred Qualifications

• First Aid/Water Safety Certification.

• Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues in watershed/water quality, invasive species, and forestry management in the Finger Lakes

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, the community, and funding partners.

• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.

• Experience with Cooperative Extension or similar educational organizations.

• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.

• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.

• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with immediate supervisor.

  Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

  Program Responsibilities:

Program Assessment – 5%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to assist with identifying needs, gaps, and trends in the community in collaboration with supervisor, program committees, staff, Cornell faculty, agency partners, and other community constituents within scope of the Association and Statewide Plan of Work.

• Assist in making recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, and/or improvements based upon assessment.

Program Development – 20%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop educational programs, activities, and materials to enhance local and regional Natural Resources programming. This includes, but is not limited to watershed/water quality, invasive species, and forestry management.

• Research, identify, and select appropriate educational and community resources and identify additional resources required for new programs and initiatives.

• Structure programs to meet the need of diverse program participants.

• Use a system of ongoing involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.

• Interpret program direction to ensure program development is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

• Involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to develop programs to address priority issues.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program development guidance.

• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

Program Delivery – 35%

• Serve as a subject matter expert in the areas of invasive species, watershed and forestry management, and agroforestry; provide highly complex nonstandard responses including but not limited to lakes and watersheds, invasive species, forestry, or other related topics as needed or assigned.

• Deliver innovative programs and trainings to the public and volunteers and in collaboration with partner organizations. Topics include but are not limited to water and terrestrial invasive species, private woodlot management, agroforestry, natural resources protection efforts, emerging/critical invasive species issues. This may include direct teaching, group experiences, social media, webinars, and other program delivery methods to promote and deliver program education.

• Teach existing programs as defined. Teach innovative assigned programs with discretion.

• Implement established terrestrial and aquatic invasive species monitoring and management projects with volunteer assistance, under the supervision of the Executive Director.

• Apply subject matter knowledge expertise to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programs.

• Staff information tables at events as part of program delivery.

• Foster acceptance of the program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.

• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.

• Involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to deliver programs.

• Evaluate and utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program delivery guidance.

• Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation – 10%

• Design, create, and implement program evaluation to measure program impacts and gain input/insight for continuous improvement.

• Interact with program participants, constituents, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.

• Analyze and interpret evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods.

• Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.

• Interpret and communicate evaluation data to the constituencies.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.

• Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of programs.

• Ensure program evaluation is within scope of the Plan of Work.

Applied Research – 5%

• Collect and process diagnostic samples.

• Maintain direct linkage with community groups, lake associations, regional forestry groups, and Cornell to stay current on research projects and topics.

  Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 5%

• Determine Association program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with constituents including program committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.

• Plan the delivery of established educational program goals.

• Plan the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods, including direction of the Master Forest Owner Program for eleven counties in Western New York.

• Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program.

• Develop and plan marketing strategies to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.

• Assist with development of marketing and promotion of natural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and natural resources organizations.

• Assist in identifying, developing, and securing community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.

• Make recommendations regarding program budgetary needs to Executive Director.

• May assist in the design of a system of ongoing involvement of citizens which expresses the demographics of the community.

Management – 5%

• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

• Identify and recommend program needs (i.e., program supplies, materials, and resources)

• Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations.

• Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.

• Make recommendations regarding program budgetary needs.

• Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the association and is research knowledge based as it relates to applicable program staff; May collaborate with other Subject Educators.

• Monitor program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/plan of work.

• Support volunteer recruitment and involvement.

• May provide supervision to program/nonprogram staff.

• Provide guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.

• Monitor staff time to ensure program needs are met.

Coordination/Operation – 10%

• Coordinate volunteers for the Master Forest Owner Program and the Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Species program, as needed.

• Apply subject matter knowledge to coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials.

• Maintain effective professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication to facilitate continued programming efforts.

• Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion of natural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and community organizations.

• Assist in the procurement of grant funds for program development and expansion.

• 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.

• Recruit program participants.

• Compile existing resources into educational program materials. Maintain teaching materials and program supplies.

• Implement established program schedule. Schedule educational outreach directly with community and constituent groups.

• Maintain program related records, complete required documentation, expense reports, etc.

• Collect evaluation data from 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 Yates 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.

Position Details

This is a full-time, (37.5h/week) non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $23.52 - $25.00 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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu or phone (585) 943.0617

https://yates.cce.cornell.edu/

Job Title:

Association Subject Educator III

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kelsey James

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 (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.

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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.