CCE of Saratoga County Sustainable Agriculture Specialist ? Ballston Spa, NY

The Sustainable Agriculture Specialist serves as a subject matter resource for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County (CCE Saratoga) in the areas of sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and climate change resiliency. The Specialist has two main focus areas - delivering quality, educational programs and overseeing local initiatives related to sustainable agriculture. Topics include but are not limited to community agriculture and resource development, whole-farm planning, open space preservation, and sustainable rural development (including energy conservation and climate change resiliency). This position also serves as a liaison for CCE Saratoga, collaborating with local officials, partner organizations, funders, and Cornell University program work teams to develop, deliver, and evaluate both existing and new programs. The Specialist solicits grants, manages funder requirements, serves on advisory boards, and works independently and with limited supervision influencing programs for CCE Saratoga and its constituents. This is a part-time nonexempt position, 24 hours/week. Application Instructions In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s). Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail [email protected]. External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance. All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ Apply By All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on February 10, 2025. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs. Required Qualifications Master?s degree. Bachelor?s degree plus 4 years transferable experience may substitute for a masters degree. Ability to help ensure diverse, equitable, and inclusive programs. Ability to meet occasional 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. Ability to assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs. Ability to lead program initiatives, provide programmatic oversight, and mentor other staff. Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment. Ability to develop and maintain partner relationships, serve on advisory boards, committees, and work teams. Ability to communicate effectively with others with tact and diplomacy. Technology Skills - Microsoft Office suite, program-related, 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. This position works in a typical office environment. The position regularly works in agricultural, natural environment, and outdoor weather conditions, including rough and uneven terrain, extreme heat, precipitation, and cold. In addition, the position regularly lifts, moves, or transports program-related materials and equipment. Preferred Qualifications Degree, knowledge, or coursework in related fields. Experience in Cooperative Extension or similar public education systems. Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions Program Responsibilities: Development ? 5% Apply subject matter knowledge to assist in developing educational strategies and programs. Assist the supervisor in all areas of program development including to meet changing local issues. Program Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research ? 25% Deliver programs and create lesson plans on topics including but not limited to community agriculture and resource development, whole-farm planning, open space preservation, and sustainable rural development (including energy conservation and climate change resiliency). Serve as a subject matter resource , provide responses to others. Represent CCE Saratoga before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, and others. Implement program evaluation processes. Administrative Responsibilities: Direction and Management ? 45% Plan and manage assigned programs, budgets, and communication strategies. Serve as a liaison for the agriculture community, community leaders, and government officials. Develop, expand, and enhance relationships for the program. Assist in developing shared vision, building understanding around the sustainable agriculture and climate resiliency missions and developing appropriate goals and strategies to advance the missions. Ensure robust and sustained program participation. Assist in monitoring the program to ensure that educational content conforms to research base, policies and objectives of the association and is research knowledge based. Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the program. Ensure grant and funder requirements are met. Research and apply for grants and contracts for sustained funding. Manage volunteers, and interns. Oversee fundraising efforts. Coordination and Operation ? 20% Facilitate and coordinate assigned programs, trainings, events, and meetings. Compile and maintain resources (publications, factsheets, supplies, etc.). Recruit program participants. Assist the supervisor with marketing, drafting impacts statements, social media posts, etc. Complete and submit all required reports, records, and documentation (e.g., program data, evaluation data, incident reports, expense reports, etc.) in a timely manner. Maintain confidentiality of information regarding all program participants. 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. Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned. Health and Safety ? Applied to all duties and functions Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. Be familiar with 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 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 Saratoga County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success. Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner. Position Details This is a part-time nonexempt position, 24 hours/week. Compensation paid in the range of $25-$28 per hour. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including: Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave Paid Holidays NYS Health Insurance Program (including free Dental Insurance) NYS Retirement (NYSERS) Long-Term Disability Insurance Total Care 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 ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available. For additional questions please contact Jim McNaughton, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or phone (518) 765-3503. https://ccesaratoga.org/ Job Title: Association Program Leader I Level: 003 Pay Rate Type: Hourly Company: Contract College Contact Name: Jim McNaughton 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. 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/.