Beginning Farmer Educator - Lockport, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County has an opening for a Beginning Farmer Educator working part-time from the Lockport, NY office.
The Educator will serve as a member of the Agriculture team to assist with program delivery in the area of agriculture programming, farm business management, agriculture economic development, and food systems efforts for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County.

    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Business, Agricultural Economics, Business, or related discipline relevant to the role of the position. (Associate degree plus 2 years transferrable, relevant program/functional experience may substitute).
•     Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. 
•    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 relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
•    Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
•    Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs. 
•    Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
•    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.).
•    Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, 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. 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 provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 
•    Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners.
•    Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
Program Delivery - 70%
•    Deliver high quality, established Agricultural education programs and events that address identified programming priorities in agriculture economic development, and food systems educational programing to enhance and increase awareness, viability, and sustainability of local agriculture. Topics include but not limited to:

• Farm Incubator Training and related workforce development training programs

• Promotion of the value and importance of ag/local food systems

• Ag technology and STEM education

• Farmland protection efforts

• Critical agricultural issues

• Implementation of agriculturally based economic development strategies

• Local food system development and initiatives

• Local food policy development

• Local Food 

• Ag Literacy

•    Occasionally apply existing subject matter knowledge to create lessons plans to deliver educational programs. 
•    Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.
•    Promote and create linkages between food consumers and agricultural producers.
•    Interact and collaborate with small farmers to provide support as a means to increase productivity and connect them to available resources for success.
•    Facilitate awareness of, and promote agricultural producers’ involvement with, the Regional Agriculture Teams (Cornell Vegetable Program, NWNY Dairy, Field Crops and Livestock Team, Cornell Fruit Program, etc.).
•    Serve as subject matter expert to connect staff and clientele, including schools, agencies, producers, consumers, and other groups (as identified) with relevant agricultural resources to enhance and improve food systems.
•    Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery. 

Program Evaluation - 5%
•    Implement program evaluation as designed.
•    Interact with program participants, the community, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
•    Communicate evaluation results and findings.
•    Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods 

Applied Research - 5%
•    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 Direction - 5%
•    Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
•    Assist with identifying key relationships to build/sustain with community leaders and stakeholders.
•    Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
•    Make recommendations regarding program budgetary needs to your supervisor and the Executive Director.
•    Assist in developing and/or enhancing/expanding relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders for the program. 

Administrative Management - 5%
•    Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned. 
•    Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
•    Assist in identifying 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 with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%
•    Apply existing subject matter knowledge to coordinate, compile, assemble, and organize program resources and program and teaching materials.
•    Coordinate identified administrative tasks to support the delivery of established educational program goals, i.e., confirming events; gathering materials and resources for program delivery; and ensuring delivery to offsite program locations. 
•    Assist with maintaining communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, social media, website postings and content.
•    Assist with coordinating marketing and promotion of agricultural resources through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and agricultural organizations.
•    Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts. 
•    Assist with submitting appropriate grant or other funding proposals, including financial documentation that may be required. 
•    Represent CCE Niagara County on local Farm Bureau board.
•    Actively serve on appropriate local, regional, state, and/or national committees and task forces that support overall educational programmatic and organizational efforts. 
•    Prepare reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments as requested.
•    Contribute to the preparation of reports for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others, as necessary.
•    Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures. 
•    Maintain confidentiality of participant information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained.
•    Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
•    Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement - 5%
•    In cooperation with the Supervisor, 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.
•    Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required. 

Health and Safety - Applies 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.

Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions
•    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 Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. 
•    Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. 
•    Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures and processes. 
•    Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner at all times. 
•    Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
•    Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

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POSITION DETAILS
Expected Weekly Hours: 20 hours per week
Hourly Wage: $22.00 to $25.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
Location: Based from the Lockport, NY office 
Remote Status: Remote work is not available.
Benefits: Full benefits, based on eligibility, including:
•    Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave
•    Paid Holidays
•    NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
•    NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
•    Long-Term Disability Insurance
•    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
•    Credit Counseling 
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APPLICATION DEADLINE
Apply online by 11:59pm EST on May 19, 2025 

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified.

Contact Kimberly at wsbn-recruiter@cornell.edu with questions. 

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HOW TO APPLY
To be considered all applicants are requested to:
(1)    Complete all sections of the Online Application
(2)    Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume
 

Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.

• External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.  Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) for additional guidance. 

• Internal Applicants (current employees working at this CCE office): Apply via  Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above.
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No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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Job Title:

Association Subject Educator I

Level:

004

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kimberly Amey

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.

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.