The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Dutchess County Community Horticulture Program Coordinator coordinates the Community Horticulture and Master Gardener Volunteer (MG) Education Program for CCE Dutchess County.

The Community Horticulture Program Coordinator recruits, trains and provides support to Master Gardener volunteers as well as facilitates regular professional development opportunities for MG volunteers. Assists with providing horticultural expertise utilizing research-based university or extension resources. Assists with invasive species educational efforts. Monitors MG volunteers for adherence to standards of information and data collection about the program and work with supervisor if issues arise. Assists with providing guidance and support to MG volunteers for their planned programs. Recruits MG volunteers for CCE Community Horticulture Program projects. This position is responsible for producing the monthly Dutchess Dirt newsletter.

Required Qualifications

Associate’s Degree. GED/High School diploma + 2 years transferable program/functional experience is acceptable.
Demonstrated ability to engage and motivate volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to assist with the preparation of presentations and assist with teaching individuals of all ages.
Demonstrated experience in running meetings and planning events for the public.
High level of organizational skills
Strong writing and communication skills in a variety of mediums (newsletters, email, social media)
Able to perform or direct hands-on garden work.
Experience with MS Office Suite, especially Word, Excel and Outlook
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated horticulture experience.
Coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape design or related subjects
Three years of experience as a landscaper/gardener/Master Gardener Volunteer
Knowledge of annual, perennial, and woody ornamentals and their use in the landscape
Knowledge of invasive species and best management practices
Skill in using websites, writing press releases, and other marketing and communication skills.
Conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:Program Delivery - 10%

Foster acceptance of horticultural best practices based on pre-existing materials from university/ extension research, to address community and individual needs.
Provide educational program content via mass media, including website, press releases, television, radio, Facebook, and other social media.
Serve as horticulture and gardening subject matter resource to volunteers utilizing established materials. Refer more difficult, complex questions to regional team and/or campus faculty.
As part of program delivery, interact and communicate with program participants and volunteers in a variety of ways, including face to face, e-mail, telephone, and social media to answer questions, facilitate learning and develop and maintain good rapport.
Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell as part of horticulture and gardening program delivery.

Administrative Responsibilities

Direction - 5%

Provide input to volunteers in planning the structure of delivering Master Gardener educational programs via various methods.
Provide input to supervisor to assist in planning the delivery of the established Master Gardener and educational program goals.
Assist supervisor with planning mass media efforts.
Provide input based on knowledge of MG program needs and implementation to supervisor for planning the MG program budget.

Management - 5%

In collaboration with supervisor, solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the community horticulture and gardening education programs, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures related to volunteer management and goals.
Assist with providing direction and guidance to MG volunteers, as well as monitor the performance of MG volunteers utilizing association volunteer management program tools.
Assist with performing tasks related to MG volunteer management responsibility, including planning individuals’ special contributions based on their skills as applicable.
Recruit new volunteers and coordinate professional development and networking opportunities for existing volunteers.

Coordination/Operation - 75%

Master Gardener Program Coordination

Implement mass media efforts related to the MG volunteer program.
Complete necessary written documentation and other office tasks as required by supervisor, association, and/or funders, including but not limited to monthly program reports, type communications and documents, and phone communications.
Submit program-related expense receipts to supervisor for recording.
Assist supervisor and MG volunteers in program coordination activities, including fundraising, as assigned.
Train new volunteers on subject matter and facilitate professional development for existing volunteers.
Maintain confidentiality of information regarding all program participants and MG volunteers.
Maintain MG volunteer records, as well as of program participants, complete pre-determined reports, and accurately collect and prepare paperwork as required for all parts of the program delivery and evaluation processes.
Complete administrative tasks required to meet established educational program goals, including creating program related e-mail communications, social media posts, webpage content, and managing program record keeping.
Produce and ensure distribution of Dutchess Dirt monthly newsletter.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan 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 including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

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.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applies to all duties and functions.

Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Ulster County policies and procedures, and Skills for Success.
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 starting at the rate of $21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.

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 July 13, 2023. 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 Program Coordinator I

Level

004

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.

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.

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.

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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

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