The Horticulture Program Educator will serve as the Association’s point of contact/support for the Home Horticulture and Master Gardener Program. This position will provide horticulture/gardening programming, and technical advice including community gardens. Liaison and support to Farmers’ Markets in Seneca County. Regularly communicate program information through media channels. Provide support to the agricultural and nutrition programs for special projects. Job Description 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 8/28/25. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs. Required Qualifications + Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate’s Degree and two years transferrable program/functional experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s Degree. + Experience relevant to the role of the position. + Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English. + Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity. + 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 relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders. + Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods. + Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs. + 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. + Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel. + 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 a typical office environment. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program related materials and equipment. The position regularly works in outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, precipitation, and in environments like youth showcase events, outdoor community events, farms, gardens, and natural environmental settings. Preferred Qualifications + Coursework in Horticulture, Education, Agriculture, and/or Natural Resources. + Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations. + Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers. + Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership. + Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners. + Experience and ability to relate to and work effectively with the public. + Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts. + Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community. Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions Program Responsibilities: Program Delivery – 70% + Deliver high quality Home Horticulture/gardening educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide Home Horticulture programming priorities. Events and programs may require the involvement of volunteers. + Provide and/or obtain horticulture/gardening technical advice. + Deliver programs and participate in special projects including but not limited to Master Gardener Program, Community Gardens, Farmers’ Markets, County Fair, Annual Dinner, Outdoor Education Field Day, Workshops, and other extension Association activities, as assigned. + Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs. + Serve as subject matter resource utilizing existing subject matter resources and materials. + Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences. + Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to newspapers, radio, utilizing emails, phone messages, Facebook, and website postings. + Interact with program participants while always representing CCE in a professional manner. + 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. + Based on established program parameters, interpret evaluation data to the constituencies. Communicate evaluation results and findings. + Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of programs. + May assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data. May assist in making recommendations for improvements. + May assist in multidisciplinary team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation. May assist in multi­association team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation. Administrative Responsibilities: Direction – 5% + May provide input to program leaders to assist in planning the delivery of established educational program goals. + Provide input in planning the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods. + Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives. + Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement. + Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process. Management – 5% + Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies/Plan of work. + Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. + Make recommendations to the Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs. + Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the Home Horticulture program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures. + Assist with ensuring volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management. + Oversee implementation of FMNP and nutrition programming at the three Seneca County farmers markets Coordination/Operation – 10% + Coordinate recruitment, training, and ongoing professional development of Master Gardener volunteers. + Maintain and prepare teaching materials necessary for Home Horticulture/gardening programs applying existing subject matter knowledge. + Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as newsletters, e-mails, electronic technology, internet, social media, website postings and content. + Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion of Home Horticulture/gardening, Master Gardeners, and Farmers’ Markets through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and other organizations. + Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the program including, but not limited to Home Horticulture and Master Gardener website content upload and maintaining files, etc. + Act as contact for Master Gardener and horticulture volunteers within the County. + Interact with program participants, Association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs. + 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. + Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts. + 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 all information and data collected, accessed and/or maintained. + Transport self, program participants, volunteers, and/or program materials/resources as necessary as part of performing position responsibilities. Professional Improvement – 5% + In cooperation with Supervisor/ 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. + Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. + Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position. + 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 perform other duties as assigned. + Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality. 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. Policy – Applied to all duties and functions + 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. + Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, and procedures. + Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner. + At all times act in a professional Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner. Position Details This is a part time (30h/week) non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $20-$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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu https://senecacountycce.org/ Job Title: Association Subject Educator I Level: 004 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. 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.