Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator - Elmira, NY

The Sr. Resource Educator is responsible for providing leadership in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating innovative educational programming provided to the community through the horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources programming areas. They will work with the Executive Director and community stakeholders to determine program priorities for Chemung County. They will work as an Association team member in addressing local, regional, and statewide agriculture, and environmental programming goals. They will be responsible for providing leadership and support of the Master Gardener’s Program. This position requires work with multiple audiences including producers, industry people, small-scale farmers, rural landowners, organizations, and volunteers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

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All applicants must apply online by close of day on October 29, 2026 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references .

All External Applicants  (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants  (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .

Please contact Katie Curren, Association Operations Coordinator at 607-734-4453 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time, exempt position, 100% FTE. The annual salary for this position is $62,353.00. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave. Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

- Master’s Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related discipline relevant to the role of the position.
- At least two years of progressively responsible experience in Cooperative Extension or equivalent professional experience.
- 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 define, conduct and interpret applied research/demonstration projects and data.  Provide non-biased translation, interpretation, and communication of horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources information to stakeholders and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, organize, teach, conduct, and evaluate agriculture and natural resources education programs to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to relate and work effectively with diverse people and groups (e.g., coworkers, private and public community and professional leaders, groups, and volunteers).
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels as well as innovative applications of electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
- Computer proficiency with programs such as Microsoft Office, database, and internet software.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, decision-making skills, delegate tasks, attend to details, handle multiple tasks and work under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and effectively participate in team efforts, including ability to identify and involve appropriate experts and/or volunteers to achieve effective program outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to relate to and communicate with co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders, volunteers and identified clientele.
- Must demonstrate a high degree of integrity, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
- Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
- Ability to identify and make use of program resources with the community and to establish a leadership role within the community and association.
- Ability to transport/move supplies and equipment, climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Knowledge of the organization, operation, philosophy, and objective of Cooperative Extension and its programs at County, State, and Federal levels.
- Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs.
- Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place and ability to utilize program resources within the community.
- Coursework or demonstrated skills in management and educational methods.
- Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.
- Experience in guiding/developing and collaborating with volunteers.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Assessment - 20%

- Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to identify local program needs, gaps and trends in collaboration with regional CCE partners, advisory groups, community agencies and program participants.
- Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, and/or improvements based upon assessment.
- Assist in multi-association team efforts to identify regional program needs in collaboration with regional CCE partners, advisory groups, community agencies and program participants.
- Ensure program assessment is within scope of work for program.
- May be involved in multidisciplinary efforts to assess related programs to improve content and to determine and address needs.

Development - 20%

- Apply high level in-depth subject matter knowledge to develop new and innovative educational strategies that utilize proven educational methodologies and that consider the diversity of the community and enhance linkages to Cornell and other research institutions.
- In coordination with Association Executive Director, and other associations, develop innovative educational programs materials, and activities to meet identified needs and to carry out program priorities and goals utilizing the plan-of-work and program evaluations. Confer and partner with Cornell faculty and administrators to ensure program content is consistent with policies and objectives of the association.
- Structure and develop programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants and meet changing local, regional, and/or statewide issues based on identified needs assessments.
- Develop and enhance relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders.
- Monitor and ensure program development and related activities are consistent with the mission and plan-of-work.
- As emerging needs are identified, develop educational programs to address community needs.

Delivery - 10%

- Provide in-depth educational programming to targeted audiences in the assigned subject matter and issue areas related to educational programs.
- Consider diverse audiences while planning educational programs.
- Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs.
- Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, Association publications, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
- Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to the Association publications, Association social media accounts, and website postings.
- Serve as subject matter expert in the area of Agriculture and Natural Resources for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public and Agriculture & Natural Resources professional working within the county and the region.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units, other Land Grant Universities, and Regional Ag. Specialists as appropriate for program delivery guidance.
- Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, and other Land Grant Universities in a professional manner.
- Consult and utilize target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.

Evaluation - 15%

- Apply in-depth subject matter knowledge to design, implement and evaluate educational programs.
- Based on program evaluation data, formulate specific strategies to improve overall program qualities.
- Work to ensure program evaluation and documentation is complete and communicate findings.
- Ensure program evaluation is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.
- Communicate outcomes and recommendations to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, program advisory committees, faculty, and county and community leaders.

Applied Research - 15%

- In collaboration with Cornell faculty and other partners, conduct meaningful applied research which addresses the needs within the county and/or region.
- Ensure applied research is within the statewide Plan of Work.
- Collect and process soil, plant, and insect diagnostic lab samples.
- Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.
- Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 5%

- Seek out proposals to secure additional funding, actively involving the Executive Director, program committee, Board of Directors, and Cornell faculty, Extension Administration.
- Establish goals, priorities, and objectives for horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources programs.
- Provide highly complex administrative tasks to the total regional program effort to plan and implement educational programs, social media activities, and policy and change initiatives.
- Provide leadership in planning public awareness initiatives in the form of impact statements, articles for progress/annual reports, or news releases.
- Provide leadership to the planning the delivery of established educational program goals.
- Assist in developing or enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, and community leaders for the Program.
- Assist in the design of a system of ongoing involvement of citizens, which expresses the community's demographics.
- Plan effective strategic external and internal communications and marketing efforts to reach target audiences and meet program objectives through public relation initiatives including networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and community organizations.
- Plan promotion of public events and programs, not limited to, assisting with mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.

Management - 5%

- Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to the Association's policies and objectives and is research-based.
- Ensure achievement of all project deliverables within budget.
- Provide guidance and support to extension educators within CCE Chemung and other associations to foster organizational confidence and competence in program processes and impact.
- Assist with identifying activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with Executive Director, Board of Directors, advisory committees, staff, agency partners, and other key community constituents.
- Identify, develop, enhance, and engage networks of volunteers and volunteer leaders.
- Ensure volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

- Provide complex administrative support for program design and for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established educational program goals.
- Prepare, and submit proposals to secure additional funding, actively involving the Executive Director, program committee, Board of Directors, Cornell faculty, Extension Administration.
- Compile data and written reports and work plans.
- Submit proposals for grants and contracts to fund new and existing program activities.
- As requested, attend meetings, Association special events, and staff development opportunities.
- Effectively maintain professional relationships with other agencies, Cornell faculty, students, organizations, and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.

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 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.

Job Title:
Association Sr Res Educator
Level:
002
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jerilynn Cross

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.