POSITION DESCRIPTION
WORKING TITLE: Horticulture/Agriculture Educator
PAYROLL TITLE: Extension Resource Educator
POSITION TYPE: Exempt, full-time
______________________________________________________________________________
POSITION CONCEPT:
This position promotes the program objectives and issue
priorities for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Fulton and
The Educator is responsible for promoting and developing programs that will enhance the economic vitality and sustainability of agriculture, horticulture and the food systems industry in Fulton and Montgomery Counties; assisting farmers on agricultural/horticulture marketing and business development issues; and working with local and regional economic development staff to incorporate agriculturally-based economic development strategies into the county economic development strategy and program.
The primary audience for programming will include agricultural/horticulture producers and related service providers, new entrepreneurs in production, processing and agri-related business including agricultural tourism, and community members whose support of agriculture/horticulture is important. Work with individuals and organizations to enhance the viability of local agriculture/horticulture through product diversification, direct marketing, promotion of local product labels, and value-added opportunities by linking with available expertise. Provide leadership for the development of promotion of county agricultural/horticulture resources.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND EVAULATION:
· Plan the delivery of established short-and long-range educational programs/activities within assigned subject matter areas based upon Association priorities.
· Provide leadership in conducting or facilitating educational programs in vegetable, fruit and ornamental horticulture and lawn care.
· Structure programs that address identified needs with consideration for diversity in the community.
· Provide leadership in conducting or facilitating youth educational programming including but not limited to Tractor Certification, and Junior Master Gardeners.
· Consult with Association staff and Cornell faculty and program units to obtain specialized assistance in selecting, developing, and delivering programs and materials.
· Develop programming based upon Cornell and Association program direction, communicate recommendations to clientele, and foster acceptance of innovative programs, methods, and policies, including multi-disciplinary and multi-association programming efforts.
· Involve, utilize, inform and advise volunteers.
·
Ensure that educational programs conform to the
objectives of Association and
· Interact with program participants, Association committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, and county and community leaders to obtain their evaluation of programs.
· Analyze and evaluate programs and make recommendations to the Executive Director and the Issue Committee for strengthening and improving programs.
· Prepare necessary evaluation reports and other program marketing materials for the purpose of communicating program impacts to the public and key funding partners.
PROGRAM
IMPLEMENTATION:
· Coordinate and serve as a resource person on consumer horticulture and general agriculture program activities.
· Provide leadership for the recruitment and management of volunteers who extend program efforts, such as Master Gardeners or Master Forest Owners.
· Conduct educational programs to impact audiences through a variety of delivery methods, including but not limited to small farms, home owners, youth, and community groups.
· Coordinate and serve as the primary contact for the NY FarmNet Mohawk Valley Pilot Collaboration Project.
· Provide leadership for and conduct educational programs related to specific animal species as determined.
· Serve as a subject matter resource to the staff and clientele, including schools, agencies, and other groups, as they are identified.
· Coordinate program efforts of assigned support staff and provide or recommend source materials as necessary.
· May be involved in the delivery of innovative program efforts which require the establishment and nurturing of local collaborations.
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT:
· Develop appropriate written reports on accomplishments for Executive Director and association committees.
· Participate in mass media efforts related to programs.
· Prepare Association newsletter articles, media releases and Association web site information regularly and as assigned.
· Assist in identification, preparation and submission of appropriate proposals to secure additional funding, actively involving the Executive Director and possibly outside collaborators.
·
Represent
the association's interests through participation in the regional agriculture
programs’ Administrative Management Groups (AMGs) as assigned. Ensure representation on the advisory
committee for regional programs; ensure reporting back to the Association Issue
Committee.
STAFF AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
· Participate in required orientation programs and demonstrate a willingness to pursue professional development in areas specific to program responsibilities.
· Regularly attend and participate in in-service programs conducted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension system and other training opportunities that enhance professional skills.
· Jointly develop and pursue a professional improvement plan, in cooperation with the Executive Director, as a means to increase competency in position responsibilities.
REPORTING
RELATIONSHIPS:
· Report to and receive supervision and guidance from the Executive Director.
· Receive program direction and guidance from the Executive Director, Issue Committee and Board of Directors.
· Coordinate and/or supervise the work of other professional and paraprofessionals, student intern(s), key volunteers, and support staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
· Master’s degree from an accredited institution in Plant Science, Horticulture, Agronomy or Agriculture. Must have significant course work and/or practical experience in plant science, horticulture, and agriculture. Have completed course work in one or more of the following: agronomy, ornamental horticulture, farm business management, animal science, agricultural engineering and/or entomology. Course work in education highly preferred. Minimum of one year related educational or technical experience required. Have or willing to earn certification as a pesticide application instructor.
· Ability to initiate, plan or organize, implement, teach and evaluate informal educational programs.
· Ability to identify and involve appropriate people in determining program direction.
· Ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts and community collaborations.
· Ability to interact with and relate to diverse audiences in a rural county environment.
· Familiarity with a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
· Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional educational tools. Familiarity with electronic technology (i.e. video, audio, computer, etc.).
· Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership and educators.
· Ability to utilize program resources within the community.
· Computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint). Must be willing to learn new software packages that relevant and useful in educational programming.
SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS:
· Must meet travel requirements of the position.
· Must be able to provide own transportation throughout the two county area and occasionally beyond. Mileage will be reimbursed at the Association rate.
· Willing to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
APPLICATIONS
will be reviewed beginning 07/13/2007, or until an acceptable pool of
applicants has been identified.
Send letter of intent, resume, and transcripts to PA
**Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are
supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and
employment opportunities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.cce.cornell.edu