Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County has an opening for a full-time 4-H Food Systems Educator working from the Buffalo, NY office. Expected employment through June 2026.
The Educator will serve as a member of the 4-H Youth Development team to assist with delivery and evaluation of the 4-H Youth Development Program with the goal of promoting thriving in young people ages 5-18 in Erie County, with primary focus on food systems education.
Educator will be responsible for coordinating and delivering program objectives and plans in 4-H Youth Development, in both school classroom and afterschool settings. Food systems education includes teaching about: production, processing, distribution, retail, consumption, and disposal. Additional key program subject areas include: youth leadership development, civic engagement, life skills, and workforce preparation.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Bachelor's degree or Equivalent Education. (Associate Degree plus 2 years transferrable relevant evidence-based research experience may substitute).- Experience relevant to the role of the position. - Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. - Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.- Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.- Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.- Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal educational programs.- 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 relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.- Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.- 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.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Coursework in Education, Agriculture, and/or Human/Youth Development.- Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.- Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners.- Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Program Delivery - 75%- Deliver high quality 4-H Youth Development educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide 4-H Youth Development programming priorities with emphasis on agriculture and food systems education in addition to leadership; civic engagement; life skills and workforce preparation; and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).- Occasionally apply existing subject matter knowledge to create lessons plans to deliver educational program. - Utilize a variety of educational methods, primarily in classroom and afterschool program settings, which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver program.- Assist with implementation and leadership of youth summer program providing daily activities and events. - Serve as subject matter resource.- Collaborate with community agencies as requested or required to deliver program activities.- Interact with program participants, parents, and volunteers, representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. Present as a positive role model for youth participants in all program activities and programs.- Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.
Program Evaluation - 5%- Implement program evaluation as designed.- Interact with program participants, association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.- Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods. - Assist in recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.- Communicate evaluation results and findings.
Administrative Direction - 5%- Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.- Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.- May provide input to planning budget based on program feasibility needs and assist in identifying opportunities for 4-H fund development activities.
Administrative Management - 5%- Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e., program supplies and materials).- Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the 4-H Youth Development program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.- Assist with ensuring volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership, and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.
Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%- Apply existing subject matter knowledge to coordinate, compile, assemble, and organize program resources and program and teaching materials.- Communicate regularly with Erie County 4-H Team Leader. - Accurately collect, prepare, and maintain paperwork and files.- Coordinate and hold regular meetings with the Erie County 4-H Team Leader to prepare for programming, connect with community partners, and raise questions and concerns.- Coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials.- Assist with ensuring a safe, positive, and supportive atmosphere during all meetings and activities.- Assist with the coordination, inventory, organization and preparation of materials, equipment, reference materials, etc. for programs and activities- Assist in communication with participants and the public through newsletters, emails, phone messages, and social media. - Process, track, and maintain event and program registration and monies as per established policy. - Collect and reconcile event and program receipts and monies. Prepare program expense reports.- Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.- Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures. - Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed, and/or maintained.- Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.- Transport self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.
Professional Improvement - 5%- In cooperation with the Supervisor, 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.- Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required.
Health and Safety - Applies to all duties and functions- Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.- Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.- Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.
Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions- Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. - Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. - Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes, and Skills for Success. - Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner at all times. - Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.- Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality. __
POSITION DETAILS Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week
Expected End Date of Employment: July 29, 2026 Hourly Wage: $22.00 per hour Location: Based from the Buffalo, NY office Remote Status: Not eligible for remote work Benefits: Full benefits , based on eligibility, including:- Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave- Paid Holidays- NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)- NYS Retirement (NYSERS)- Long-Term Disability Insurance- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)- Tax Deferred Annuity Plan- Flexible Spending Accounts- Group Universal Life Insurance- Personal Accidental Insurance- Legal Plan Insurance- Long Term Care Insurance- Auto and Homeowner's Insurance- Pet Insurance- New York's College Savings Program- Credit Counseling __
APPLICATION DEADLINE Apply online by 11:59pm EST on August 18, 2025
Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at wsbn-recruiter@cornell.edu with questions.
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HOW TO APPLY To be considered all applicants are requested to:(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application (2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume (3) Upload/attach contact information for 3 Professional References
Upload ALL documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.
External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) (http://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) for additional guidance.
Internal Applicants (current employees working at this CCE office): Apply via? Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.
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 the recruiter listed above. No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
Job Title:
Association Tmp Program
Level:
No Grade - Hourly
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contact Name:
Kimberly Amey
Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
