Cornell Cooperative Extension: Environment & Nature Educator

The Environment & Nature Educator will assist with the creation, delivery, and coordination of new and existing programs aimed at youth and adults in Madison County. Educational efforts include the Cornell Climate Stewards program, as well as educational programming about climate change, lakes and watersheds, invasive species, solid waste management, composting, youth outdoor time & connection to nature, and other related topics as needed or assigned. Programs will take place in community settings, as well as K-12 schools. The Educator serves as an influential subject matter resource working with CCE staff, youth, and volunteers, as well as partner organizations, governmental offices, members of the public, and others.

This position is primarily based in-person and out in the community in Madison County, with opportunities to work remotely based on organization policy and performance.

responsibilities:

Program Development – 15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to assist with developing educational strategies.

• Assist with researching, identifying, and selecting existing resources for the program.

• Assist with using a system of ongoing involvement of citizens in the program development process which expresses the demographics of the community.

• Assist with structuring programs to meet the need of diverse program participants.

• Assist with maintaining direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program development guidance.

• Assist in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

Program Delivery – 45%

• Serve as subject matter resource; provide standard to moderately complex non-standard responses including, but not limited to, climate change, recycling, lakes and watersheds, invasive species, solid waste management and composting, or other related topics as needed or assigned.

• May deliver innovative programs with discretion and trainings to the public and volunteers and in collaboration with partner organizations. Topics include but are not limited to: Cornell Climate Stewards Program, youth nature education, lake/watershed education, invasive species, solid waste management, composting, recycling, and alternative and renewable energy.

• Teach existing programs as defined.

• Apply existing subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programming.

• Staff information tables at events as part of program delivery.

• Foster acceptance of the program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.

• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities as part of program delivery.

• Involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to deliver programs.

• Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.

• May assist with maintaining direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program delivery guidance.

• May assist with ensuring program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation – 10%

• Implement program evaluation as designed including use of surveys and statewide evaluation platforms.

• Assist in applying subject matter knowledge and logic models to evaluate and analyze programs; assist in making recommendations for improvements.

• Assist in the creation of program evaluation.

• May be involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation.

• Assist in maintaining direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for program evaluation guidance.

• Interpret and communicate evaluation data to the constituencies.

• Interact with various constituencies to obtain their evaluation of programs.

• Assist in ensuring program evaluation is within scope of the Plan of Work.

Administrative Direction – 10%

• Assist with planning assigned programs and events.

• Assist in planning the delivery of established program goals.

• Assist with planning the structure of delivering programs via various methods.

• Assist in developing communication and marketing strategies for assigned programs.

• Provide input to planning program budget.

Administrative Management – 10%

• May assist with program monitoring to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the Association and is research knowledge based.

• May assist with administrative and program management activities for short-term projects as assigned.

• Assist with managing assigned programs and events in collaboration with community partners.

• Support volunteer recruitment and involvement.

• Provide guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.

• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise in the program, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

• Assist with effectively managing assigned program budgets.

Administrative Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Recruit community partners to conduct education activities, including CCE Associations and staff.

• Coordinate assigned programs and events in collaboration with colleagues and community partners.

• Recruit program participants.

• Compile existing resources into educational program materials. Maintain teaching materials and program supplies.

• Implement established program schedule. Schedule educational outreach directly with community and constituent groups.

• Maintain program related records, complete required documentation, expense reports, etc.

• Collect evaluation data from program participants.

• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed and/or maintained.

Professional Improvement – 5%

• 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 and Association priorities.

• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled/required. 

• Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.

• 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. 

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

required qualifications:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent (Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years’ transferrable relevant evidence-based research experience) in Environmental Studies/Education; Environmental Communication; Natural Resources Management; Environmental Science; Ecology; Sustainability, or related field.

• Experience relevant to the role of position.

• Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs.

• Ability to meet regular 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 are required.

• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

• Program Skills – Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate programs.

• Communication Skills - Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels, use traditional tools as well as innovative applications of electronic technology (e.g., computers, audio, video, etc.). Ability to frequently and effectively communicate verbally and in writing with external partners, program participants, employees, and others.

• Technology Skills - Proficiency with or ability to learn Microsoft Office suite, database, internet, and virtual presentation software.

• Work Environment – In addition to the Working Conditions, the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. In addition, the position frequently lifts, moves, or transports program related materials, equipment, and composting materials. The position regularly works in outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, precipitation, primarily to demonstrate hands on environmental education at locations like county and state fairs, outdoor community events, farms, gardens, and natural environmental settings.

preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with youth.

• Experience with social media and virtual learning platforms.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.