Learn about job opportunities with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Jobs

Current Openings

Environment & Energy Resource Educator

As a member of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) Environment & Energy Program team, the Resource Educator will contribute to environmental and energy programs through the Hudson River Estuary Resiliency Project, the Dutchess County Greenway Connections Project, Dutchess County No Child Left Inside (NCLI) and similar programs.

The Environment & Energy Resource Educator is primarily responsible for providing assistance in planning, implementing and evaluating innovative environmental education programs for Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCEDC) and representing the association to the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University. In addition, the Resource Educator takes a lead role in providing deliverables for several grants that the Environment & Energy program area is working on in a variety of topics including climate change, energy/energy efficiency, flood resiliency, and youth engagement in environmental education.

The Resource Educator will assist with organizational responsibilities, and related administrative activities, and may help manage and train part-time staff and program volunteers in day-to-day duties. This position will create and assist with program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The Resource Educator will also provide support and input into program-specific grants, contracts, outreach, communications, and marketing.

The Resource Educator will analyze and identify community and municipal education needs and develop trainings, outreach, workshops, and other programming that informs and enables residents and local officials to effectively improve environment and energy issues.

The position is stationed at the Farm & Home Center in Millbrook, NY.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public policy, natural resources, environmental science/studies, sustainable planning and development, social sciences or other fields related with specialization appropriate to program area.
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal adult/youth environmental and/or energy education programs to address diverse audiences.
Knowledge of watershed management and able to identify appropriate programs and partner organizations.
Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to work with diverse audiences in group and one-on-one settings.
Demonstrated effective use of a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
Good collaboration and cooperation skills.
Capable of independently delivering programming.
Excellent writing skills for a variety of audiences.
Experience using Microsoft Office products to develop and contribute to written documents and presentations.
Ability to manage long-term projects and deadlines within the context of day-to-day projects and deadlines. Ability to organize work and set priorities, handle multiple tasks, and work under deadlines.
Proven ability to be diplomatic and utilize active listening skills while avoiding advocacy stances on issues pertaining to the environment, energy, agriculture and other program areas of CCEDC.
Must learn, know, and abide by Association personnel policies.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position; must be willing and able to transport education materials to various off-site locations.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, requiring some evenings and weekends, as essential job functions require.

Preferred Qualifications:

One-three years of relevant volunteer or professional experience.
In-depth environmental issue knowledge including energy and energy efficiency.
Local/regional contacts with various constituents/programs and knowledge of organizations serving Dutchess County and the region.
Experience with youth programming and volunteer/youth program management.
Classes in or experience with water resources management, stream science, and environmental policy.
Knowledge of local government structure and function with regard to environmental issues.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Assessment:

Assess individual, group and community environmental education needs utilizing most appropriate assessment tools and activities in order to determine the most effective educational programs.
Identify gaps and trends in community needs for environment and energy issues – particularly for needed municipal efforts.
Assist with internal/external assessments; analyze program needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.
As needed, may participate in multi-association team assessment efforts.
Participate in regional working groups that identify program needs.
Interact with University faculty and staff as needed/as available to obtain guidance on program assessment.

Program Development:

Develop innovative educational programs that address various environment and energy issues through a variety of methodologies (such as workshops, trainings, and outreach) and by utilizing appropriate educational techniques including assessment, implementation, planning, evaluation and documentation procedure utilizing applied research from Cornell University, the land grant system and other approved sources in order to select innovative, effective program curricula.
Work closely with Association staff and stakeholders such as community residents, elected officials, policy-makers, program participants, community organizations, government departments, community leaders, public/private schools, businesses, Cornell and regional/state teams in order to effectively and efficiently develop needed resources for mutual program participants and intended audiences.
Structure programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants; develop appropriate teaching methods for audiences such as presentations, displays, and educational content for community outreach.
Make programmatic changes throughout the year to meet emerging and urgent needs, and to address the needs of diverse program participants.
Collaborate with land grant faculty/staff for program development.
Represent the Association in support of local, regional and statewide program development efforts.

Program Delivery:

Provide existing subject matter-based resources to County and municipal officials, county residents and stakeholders on local environmental and energy issues, e.g. water resources, climate change, and local land use policies, utilizing established curricula and resources.
Provide environmental and energy education using a variety of proven and innovative education methodologies that consider the diversity of the community.
Respond to basic information request and provide general information to stakeholders and the public regarding environment and energy issues in Dutchess County.
Disseminate locally-relevant, non-biased, technical and scientifically-based environmental and energy information for use by municipal officials, the public, and stakeholders.
Positively represent CCE and the CCEDC Environment & Energy program at meetings with various local and regional environmental organizations and regulatory agencies.
Contribute to the development of positive relationships with stakeholders, partnering agencies, organizations, and community leaders.
Provide outreach on environmental issues for community events.
Serve as a subject-matter expert to staff and clientele, including municipalities, agencies and other professionals as they are identified.
Deliver education at public meetings, conferences, and community education events as needed.

Program Evaluation:

Regularly evaluate programs to improve effectiveness by obtaining feedback from program participants, Cornell faculty, community leaders and other stakeholders. Interpret impact/evaluation data to the stakeholders, public and within the Association.
Identify learning and behavior change (outcomes) of clients using approved written, oral or demonstration testing procedures.
Create program evaluation framework and design evaluation instruments. Apply subject matter knowledge to evaluation of assigned educational programs.
In coordination with the Program Leader, interact with program participants, program advisory committees, Cornell program specialists and faculty, and county and community leaders to obtain their evaluation of programs.
Communicate evaluation results and findings and make recommendations to the Program Leader for strengthening and improving programs to meet changing local needs.

Applied Research:

Communicate to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.
Ensure applied research is within scope of the Statewide Plan of Work.

Direction:

Plan the delivery and the structure of delivery of Environmental education programs for youth and/or adults via various methods.
Participate in the planning and development of marketing activities based on assessed needs and in conjunction with programmatic and/or Association activities.
May assist in developing and/or enhancing relationships with appropriate agencies, organizations, community leaders, etc. for program planning and strategy.
In conjunction with Association Leadership actively seek out additional funding through grants/contracts.
May provide input to the planning of program and/or grant budgets.

Management:

Work with the Program Leader and staff in program management activities, as assigned, monitoring content to conform to research, policies and objectives of the Association, allocating financial resources to accomplish program objectives, and ensuring spending is within budget.
May assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Manage the NCLI youth employees including interviewing, making hiring recommendations, and approving time cards.
Support volunteer recruitment and involvement and provide oversight for volunteer involvement.
Manage day-to-day environmental and energy education projects, under the guidance of the Program Leader, focusing on youth environmental education.

Coordination/Operation:

Coordinate and support environmental program efforts as needed for the implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research and evaluation.
Assist with marketing and outreach (via websites, press releases, Facebook/Twitter posts, listserves, e-newsletters, newsletters, and newspaper articles).
Contribute to the Association’s collecting and assimilating program, evaluation, outcome measures and marketing data for monthly, quarterly (if required) and annual reports, as well as any grant/funding reporting.
In conjunction with Association Leadership, prepare and submit funding proposals to secure additional funding through grants/contracts.
Participate in the implementation of marketing activities for program area and for a sustainable Association.
Organize and manage educational and project materials using established procedures. Maintain organized, appropriately named/labeled, and updated databases and accurate records in shared server and work spaces.
Help prepare outreach and educational materials for community events, including handling logistics and setting up events with displays and materials.
Participate in Program Advisory Committee meetings to inform and request advisement of members
Provide program area support and input in collecting and assimilating required data for reporting, grant writing, and project development in program areas

Professional Improvement:

In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.
Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned: Including but not limited to; attendance at staff meetings, Environment & Energy team meetings, advisory committee meetings, and other Association meetings, as well as working with other staff, and general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs.
Participate in orientation programs and In-Service education as appropriate, including environmental workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.
Attend content area and computer training as necessary to maintain or enhance knowledge and skills.
Participate in required orientation programs and attend in-services as necessary to stay current and involved in relation to program responsibilities.
Serve as an active member of the Association on special committees and assignments as approved by supervisor.

A full Position Description is here E&E Resource Educator

This is a full time, exempt position with an annual salary of $48,000. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

Vacation, Sick and Personal time
Paid Holidays
NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
NYS Retirement
Long-term Disability Insurance
Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance
Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance

How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference.Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting. For instructions, visit:

http://cce.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/applying_for_a_job_-_external_5-2016_v2.pdf

All applications must be received on-line by August 31, 2017. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Administrative Systems at (607) 255-2117, or via email at: cce.recruitment@cornell.edu.

For additional questions please contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.

________________________________________________________________________________

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County provides equal program and opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability.