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.

• 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.

• Degree or coursework in agriculture or related fields.

• 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.

• 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.