Overview about position
The Agricultural Environmental Sustainability Educator position will concentrate on the agriculture and natural resources program assisting the Executive Director with development, delivery, direction, and management of programming efforts for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County. This position is primarily responsible for developing and delivering education specifically related to nutrient management and best management practices for farms of all types in Cayuga County. The Educator will develop relationships with Cornell University faculty and regional agriculture extension specialists to advance needed applied research projects, including economic analysis, related to best management practices for water quality. The Educator may conduct soil sampling and fertilizer sampling which will allow targeted education. The Educator interacts with the public, including farmers through delivery of programs, attending partner meetings, and through individual client assistance. This position works on projects in collaboration with Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District, Cayuga County Planning Department, Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency, Partners for Healthy Watersheds, and lake and watersheds associations. This position will be responsive to emerging developments with the watershed and community education on various platforms, including print, in person/virtual presentations and social media.
Important information for applicants:
All applicants must apply online by close of day on June 16, 2022 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.
Position details:
This position is a full-time, non-exempt position, 37.5 hours per week. 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 agronomy, watershed science, agricultural engineering, agricultural education, natural resources, or related discipline.
- 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.
- Knowledge and experience in current and emerging issues in watershed management/water quality, nutrient management, and best management practices in New York State.
- Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
- Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
- Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
- Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders.
- Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
- Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
- Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in English.
- Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
- Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working closely with farmers in developing Nutrient Management Plans and implementing associated best management practices.
- Certified Crop Adviser (preferably Northeast Region).
- Knowledge and experience with agricultural climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Experience with GIS mapping software (e.g. ArcGIS™).
- Coursework in agricultural or extension education.
Program Responsibilities:
Program Assessment – 15%
- Apply subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community.
- Develop program needs assessment, analyze program needs and make recommendations for programming (new programs, enhancements or improvements to existing programs).
- Develop and maintain Extension/Cornell University faculty connections for guidance with program assessment.
- Ensure program assessment is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
- Assist in multi-Association team efforts related to program assessment as appropriate.
Program Development – 25%
- Develop nutrient management, best management practice, watershed management/water quality and agricultural sustainability programming to meet identified needs within the county and meet grant funder requirements.
- Research, identify, and select appropriate educational and community resources and identify additional resources required for new programs and initiatives, especially related to agricultural sustainability.
- Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes to meet the need of diverse program participants.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University program development guidance, and relevant faculty and extension specialists.
- Work with farmers, the community, and agency partners to develop programs and initiatives.
Program Delivery – 30%
- Deliver innovative, high-quality watershed/nutrient management educational programs to enhance and increase awareness, viability and sustainability of local farms and surface water. Topics include but are not limited to: nutrient management and best management practice planning; watershed and farm level analysis of economic impacts of practice implementation, agroforestry practice to improve water quality, and emerging/critical watershed and agricultural issues.
- Collaborate with CCE Cayuga staff, CCE South NY Dairy and Field Crops Team specialists, and Cornell faculty and program units on delivery of educational programs.
- Collaborate with the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District to provide educational programs in the area of nutrient management, crop production, soil health, and cover crop management.
- Following established program procedures, educate farmers in nutrient management planning concepts according to appropriate standards and regulations.
- Develop working relationships with members of the fertilizer and feed industry to support delivery of nutrient management programming.
- Serve as a subject matter expert to farmers, industry professionals, CCE staff and community members in nutrient management and crop production practices.
Program Evaluation – 10%
- Design and creation of program evaluation framework 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 collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
- Make recommendations for changes/improvements to strengthen and improve programmatic offerings.
- Communicate evaluation results and findings to Supervisor and/or constituents as appropriate.
Applied Research – 5%
- Conduct applied research in conjunction with Cornell University Faculty.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research as outlined in CCE program definition and standard.
- Ensure applied research is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
- Assist in the collaboration with Cornell faculty to design or create applied research collection framework.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction – 5%
- Identify activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with Supervisor, Program Committee(s), community agencies, and/or other stakeholders.
- Assist in planning effective marketing strategies to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.
- Assist in the development of marketing and promotion of watershed management and natural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, lake associations and natural resources organizations.
- Assist in identifying, developing, and securing community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
Management – 5%
- Monitor programs to ensure compliance with policies and objectives of the Association, funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of Work.
- Assist with monitoring programs’ financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/plan of work.
- Provide guidance to volunteers and/or staff, including those performing similar work.
- Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
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 district meetings, 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.
- Be aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cayuga County policies and procedures and Skills for Success.
- Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.
Apply:
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