CCE of Yates County Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator – Penn Yan, NY

The Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator will provide program coordination and support to the Horticulture and Natural Resources programs and facilitate the dissemination of the horticulture and natural resources information to the residents of Yates County utilizing a trained volunteer corp. This position will serve as primary contact and coordinator for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Climate Steward and Yates County Master Forest Owner volunteers.

• Associate’s or Equivalent Education. ( GED/High School Diploma with one-year transferable program/functional experience may substitute).
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agriculture, small farms, and market connections.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.
• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. 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.

• Two years of job-related experience in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, sustainability, environmental education, or related fields.
• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
• Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Ability to organize, implement and teach informal educational programs.
• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
• Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and community.
• Ability to relate effectively to coworkers, advisor, community and professional leaders.
• Ability to organize, manage and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.

• Based on the annual plan of work in agriculture, natural resources, and consumer horticulture, deliver high-quality, existing educational programs and activities for adults and youth in traditional and non-traditional settings.
• Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, Internet, and distance learning to deliver program.
• Conduct in-service trainings for volunteers and distribute subject matter resources/ materials.
• Serve as subject matter resource, utilizing established program resources and materials, to provide information and resources to program participants.
• Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences through frequent contact with program participants, parents, and volunteers.
• Interact with program participants, parents, and volunteers representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. Presents as a positive role model for participants in all program activities and programs.
• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant…