The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Green Teen Educator works under the supervision of the Green Teen Program Manager to deliver educational programs that provide life and work skills and related education to targeted youth with the focus on the food systems and gardening. Primary program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, gardening, recruitment of participants and delivering educational programs. The Educator also coordinates and facilitates operations as well as assists with the Green Teen Program evaluations.
Required Qualifications:
Associates Degree and two years paid or volunteer experience. GED/High School Diploma and three years transferrable program experience is acceptable.
Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills;
Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and database management;
Must be committed to creating and maintaining an environment that fosters positive youth development;
Must enjoy working in agricultural settings and be physically capable of doing frequent/daily manual labor. May be working in challenging weather conditions, including but not limited to direct sunlight, extreme heat, humidity, rain, exposure to insects, etc.;
Ability to complete project reports and keep accurate physical and digital records;
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences, including individuals of varied ages and backgrounds, and maintain cultural sensitivity;
Ability to meet frequent (potentially daily - depending on the season) travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage and to transport youth are required;
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work as part of a team;
Ability to work flexible hours including nights and/or weekends.
Preferred Qualifications:
A general knowledge of youth education using positive youth development strategies;
Previous experience working in youth development programs;
Conflict resolution skills;
Previous experience in an agricultural setting, or related industry with retail experience;
Ability to speak Spanish.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Program Responsibilities:
Program Delivery - 75%
Assist in presenting workshops related to but not limited to the food systems and customer service lessons for mobile/farmers' market;
Teaching the existing educational program as defined. This includes teaching workshops on workplace safety, gardening and farming techniques and relevant vocational skills;
Assist with teaching innovative educational programs with supervision. May assist in creation of new workshops and/or materials as necessary;
Help foster acceptance of program, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences;
Actively interact with program participants on a daily basis when programing is in session;
Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies to keep the program fresh and relevant;
As part of program delivery, serve as mentor and provide guidance for program participants by engaging them in work projects, team building and skill-related workshops. Additionally, remaining alert to opportunities to independently provide guidance and support to youth;
As part of program delivery, work with Green Teens to provide for the day-to-day maintenance of the garden to include, but not limited to, watering, weeding, planting, harvesting and the maintenance of gardening tools and equipment;
Based on experiences providing education to youth, the position may provide leadership to youth and volunteers. May provide feedback to youth on performance as part of program delivery.
Program Evaluation - 5%
Assist in gathering data and helping Program Coordinator evaluate the program's market and youth outcomes;
Assist in the evaluation and determining the effectiveness of the Green Teen Program by weekly or monthly review of records that document attendance, behavior/attitude change and progress toward meeting program goals.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Coordination/Operation - 15%
Assist with the recruitment of youth participants for Green Teen Program;
Harvest produce from the Green Teen garden for the Mobile Market and maintain harvest records;
Work with partner farm(s) to wash and prepare produce and to set the prices each market day;
Sell produce and track sales for the Mobile Market;
Return the market vehicle to the farm, put away market materials and complete daily cash records;
Frequent/sometimes daily transportation of Green Teen Youth as program needs require;
Participate in community events, conferences for outreach and recruitment efforts;
Assist with a variety of daily tasks associated with the smooth and effective running of the program and the achievement of specific program outcomes;
May assist with review of educational material and update as necessary.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%
In cooperation with supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position and association priorities;
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;
Be aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension policies and procedures;
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
Health and Safety - Applied 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.
EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.
Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences;
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Dutchess County policies and procedures;
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
This is a full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $22.00 per hour. 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
Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
Voluntary Auto and Homeowner's Insurance
Voluntary Pet Insurance
Voluntary New York's College Savings Program
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. 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/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
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.
All applications must be received on-line by February 17, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.
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. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.
Job Title:
Association Prog Educator II
Level:
005
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Leah Cadwallader
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.
