CCE of Schenectady County Crew Leaders –Schenectady, NY

Crew Leaders support CCE of Schenectady County’s Roots and Wisdom program by teaching and mentoring youth as they learn about sustainable agriculture, teamwork, and essential life skills. Roots and Wisdom bring residents together to grow vegetables for local sale and donation to food pantries, while youth participants gain hands‑on experience in agriculture, hunger awareness, and community service.

This seasonal role includes preparing and maintaining garden beds; planting, tending, harvesting, and portioning produce; and managing pests and compost. Crew Leaders also guide youth in these tasks and in operating a community farm stand. Throughout daily activities, they model strong communication, responsibility, and problem‑solving. Crew Leader positions are part‑time and typically run from June–August, with the possibility of extension through September based on organizational and program needs.

Positions are located at the Sustainable Living Center in Central Park, Schenectady, with hours that vary depending on program schedules and the growing season.

• Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research – 80%:
  Lead a group of four to six youth participants (ages 14–18) through a six‑to‑eight‑week summer growing program. Supervise educational gardening activities in the Association’s urban gardens. Demonstrate and assist in teaching agriculture and horticulture techniques (e.g., preparing garden beds, planting, weeding, harvesting, washing vegetables and herbs, pest identification/management, composting). Assist youth in the weekly community farm stand to strengthen development skills.
• Administrative responsibilities – 15%:
  Sort, portion, and allocate harvested produce into weekly CSA shares and ensure equitable, market‑style distribution. Perform maintenance of gardening materials and tools, and assist in operating and maintaining a community-based farm stand.
• Professional improvement – 5%:
  Collaborate with supervisor and/or executive director to develop and pursue a professional development plan.
• Health and Safety:
  Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment, follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations and policies, and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
• Policy:
  Adhere to established Cornell Cooperative Extension policies, procedures, and Skills for Success.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 6 months of volunteer or work experience with youth (ages 14‑18) or in agriculture.
• Ability to assist in teaching informal garden‑based youth programs.
• Basic math skills and handle cash transactions accurately (making change, maintaining records for the community farm stand), and teach these skills to youth.
• Ability to read English and interpret documents such as safety rules and operating instructions.
• Ability to work independently, be resourceful, self‑motivated, and function highly in a team setting.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends.

• Preferred:
  Some college experience.

Part‑time, nonexempt position (25 hours/week). Compensation is $19.50 per hour. No relocation or visa sponsorship available.

Final date to receive applications: 11:59pm on May
29,2026.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.

For additional questions, contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, email jpm
373 or phone .