Beginner Farmer Educator - Liberty, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Sullivan County Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for the CCE Sullivan Beginner Farmer Program, supporting new and beginning farmers through education, technical assistance, and resource development that strengthens farm viability and local agricultural economic development. Program areas include farm business and production fundamentals, workforce development, regulatory and farm and food safety education, marketing and distribution, and access to land, capital, and markets.

Responsibilities include identifying farmer needs; developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs, including workshops, trainings, and other learning experiences; coordinating with community partners; and supporting farmer networks and peer learning.

The Beginner Farmer Educator also plans, implements and manages the CCE Sullivan Beginner Farmer Mentorship Program. This includes recruitment, coordination, supervision, and support of volunteer farm mentors; development and delivery of mentor and mentee orientation and training; and establishment of clear expectations, communication protocols, and program guidelines. The Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for matching farm mentors with beginner farmer mentees based on experience, production focus, capacity, and goals, and for facilitating effective mentor–mentee relationships.

Responsibilities include coordinating meetings and check-ins, supporting goal-setting and problem-solving, monitoring engagement and progress, and addressing challenges that may arise within mentor–mentee partnerships.

In addition, the Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for data collection, tracking, and reporting for the mentorship program, including maintaining program records, monitoring participation and outcomes, documenting mentor and mentee activities, and preparing required funder reports to support program evaluation, continuous improvement, and grant compliance. The Beginner Farmer Educator also supports applied research, evaluation, and data collection activities as required by program objectives and grant deliverables, in accordance with established CCE frameworks and funder requirements.

The Beginner Farmer Educator represents Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell University to program participants, community organizations, government agencies, and agricultural partners and contributes to outreach, grant‑funded initiatives, and collaborative efforts that advance the success of beginning farmers in the region.

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in agricultural production, agronomy, animal sciences, agricultural business, or a related field, plus relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree and four years’ transferable relevant evidence‑based research experience is acceptable.
• Experience in agricultural production, agricultural business, or animal sciences education and outreach.

Professional

Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to plan and manage individual work responsibilities in alignment with priorities set with the supervisor and team.
• Ability to teach informal educational programs.
• Ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using educational tools.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively with external stakeholders and colleagues.

Technology and Administrative Skills

• Basic proficiency with modern electronic technology and software, including computers, video and audio tools, Microsoft Office applications, social media, and internet‑and database‑based systems.

Community Engagement

• Knowledge of diverse audiences, including at‑risk populations, and local communities.
• Ability to identify and utilize program and community resources.

Work Requirements and Conditions

• Valid New York State driver’s license and ability to meet travel requirements using personal and association vehicles.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, including DMV and criminal history checks.
• Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends as required.
• Ability to read and…