CCE of Saratoga County Local Agriculture Resource Educator – Ballston Spa, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga responds to the needs of local residents with unbiased, research-based information, tools and education that people have come to depend on and trust. Our programs are developed in direct response to community input and are based on the most current information available from Cornell and other Land Grant Universities from across the nation.

The Local Agriculture Educator works as part of a collaborative team delivering programs and serving as a subject matter expert for local agriculture programs and initiatives. Responsibilities can vary quite a bit including serving as a subject matter expert on topics like sustainable rural development, agriculture programs in schools (including Farm-to-School), beginner farming and homesteading, young farmers, CCE Equine, supporting the 4-H Horse program, and supporting interns. The Educator fields questions, delivers programs, and helps connect people to other regional or state-wide experts as needed.

Application Instructions

Enter your full name, full address, email, and phone number(s) in the My Information section.

Upload a cover letter, resume, and contact details for at least three references (including one current or former supervisor or teacher). In 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, please click the Upload icon for each additional document. 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] .

External applicants (including employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations): see Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension External Candidate for additional guidance.

Internal applicants (current employees of the hiring CCE Association): apply through your Workday account .

Apply By

All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on October 15, 2026 . Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree.
- Experience relevant to the role of position.
- Ability to meet the regular 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 work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
- Ability to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs.
- Ability to identify and secure funding and grants.
- Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
- Technology Skills - A Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meetings, and program related software.
- 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 agricultural and outdoor weather conditions – especially during growing and fair seasons.

Preferred Qualifications

- Degree or coursework in agriculture or related fields.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Assessment and Development – 30%

- Apply subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community, assess and develop programs, and make recommendations for improvements.
- Collaborate with staff, partners, and others to develop new programming opportunities.
- Research, identify, select, and create resources for the program.
- Maintain direct linkage with funders and Cornell University for guidance.
- Ensure programs are within scope of the Plan of Work.

Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research - 40%

- Create lesson plans and deliver programs.
- Serve as a subject matter expert; provide responses, field questions, etc.
- Participate with local, regional, statewide committees, program work teams, and professional organizations.
- Represent CCE as a subject matter expert before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or others as part of program delivery.
- Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs.
- Interact with program participants.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University for program delivery guidance.
- Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.
- Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
- Apply subject matter knowledge to evaluate educational programs and make recommendations for improvements.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction and Management – 20%

- Plan and manage assigned programs, budgets, and communication strategies.
- Oversee fundraising efforts related to CCE Equine programs.
- Research and apply for grants and contracts for sustained funding.
- Develop, expand, and enhance relationships for the program.
- Ensure grant and funder requirements are met.
- Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the association and is research knowledge based.
- Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

Coordination and Operation – 5%

- Coordinate and schedule assigned programs.
- Recruit program participants.
- Complete all required documentation and reports in a timely manner.
- Perform communications and marketing responsibilities.
- Maintain program records and data.
- Compile program materials and inventory.

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.

Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

- 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

Position Details

This is a full-time, exempt position. Compensation paid in the range of $65,000-$68,000 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave
- Paid Holidays
- New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP)
- NYSHIP Dental Insurance
- NYS Retirement (NYSERS)
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Voluntary Term Life Insurance
- Personal Accidental Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- New York’s 529 College Savings Program

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 Resource Educator
Level:
002
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jim McNaughton

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.