Horticulture & Environment Educator - Elmsford, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County Horticulture and Environment Educator serves as a member of the Horticulture and Environment team to carry out implementation of the Association’s commercial green industry and consumer horticulture and environment program that addresses local, regional and statewide programming priorities and needs including pest management.

This position is also responsible for evaluating the program as well as implementing program delivery which might include using volunteers in the community to conduct workshops and other educational activities.

This is a public facing educator position with significant interaction with both the professional members of the horticulture industry as well as community members.

The educator must be able to teach and respect a wide variety of audiences: green industry professionals, volunteers, residents, local community members, and official government representatives.

Communications skills and comfort with all different constituents is vital.

The program varies during the year depending on seasonal program needs, requiring the educator to be flexible to meet these needs.

This position works independently under the general supervision of the Horticulture Program Manager.

Represents the Association and the program to the public, community leaders, government officials, the media, and Cornell University, as needed and directed.

This position may work with Master Gardener Volunteers as well as other volunteers.

This is an in-office, or in the field, position, not available for remote work.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or related field.
• One year volunteer or related work experience.
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet motor vehicle standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to analyze issues and to initiate, plan, organize, implement & evaluate informal educational programs addressing diverse audiences in assigned areas.
• Ability to utilize computer technology to author reports and proposals, communicate internally and externally, prepare visuals, access information and learn and teach.
• Ability and knowledge in the science of horticulture and integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated ability to interact productively and respectfully with a wide variety of audiences reflective of the Westchester community.
• Demonstrated laboratory analysis skills either academically or work-related situation.
• Demonstrated ability to research and diagnose horticultural or pest management problems.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders, and clientele groups.
• Ability to utilize resources effectively.
• Ability to identify and utilize program resources within the community.
• Ability to effectively use 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 as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
• Ability to lift, move or transport supplies, tables, meeting materials and equipment, and climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds.
• Ability to work in outdoor or agricultural settings, perform site visits and be physically capable of negotiating uneven terrain, gathering samples and possible manual labor as part of research and diagnosis.
• May be working in challenging weather conditions.

• Deliver high quality educational programs and events for the commercial green industry, consumers, and Master Gardener Volunteers that address local, regional and statewide programming priorities and needs (90%).
• Assist in teaching innovative educational programs and events to diverse audiences.
• Foster acceptance of horticultural and pest management best practices based on pre-existing materials from university/extension research, to address community and individual needs.
• Utilize a variety of delivery systems, including written articles, newsletters, demonstration projects, special events, tours, volunteers, media, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
• Apply subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver educational programs.
• Serve as horticulture and gardening subject matter resource;…