Special Projects Educator

This position will be housed at the Cooperstown office & will provide programming in both Otsego & Schoharie counties.

The Special Projects Educator (SPE) will work in a team environment to assist with developing, planning, delivering/implementing, providing outreach and evaluating the needs of specific projects in the program areas of our Association. The primary focus is on grant initiatives such as our Farm to School (FTS) Local Foods – Healthy Schools, and our Together We Grow project collaborations in local schools and communities in both Otsego and Schoharie counties.

The SPE will build on the existing FTS program by engaging with up to 10 area school districts in Otsego County over an approximate two-year period and continuing dialogue with Schoharie school districts in the program from the prior grant period. In this program, the SPE will implement an established Plan of Work that focuses within the framework of the ‘Three Cs’ of FTS programs: cafeteria, classroom, and community. The SPE will collaborate with respective Wellness Committees within each school district that solidify FTS programming into the school culture, ensuring ownership of the program by stakeholders, including cafeteria staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community, that altogether leads to program sustainability.

For the Together We Grow project the SPE will collaborate with other educators to help address healthy eating and food security via community food gardens and healthy eating initiatives, bringing several key stakeholders from various parts of the rural food system together while fostering higher levels of community engagement. The main goals of the project include increasing access to fresh food, providing hands-on gardening nutrition education, and increasing community engagement and volunteer opportunities in the community at-large

• Master’s degree in agriculture, nutrition, education, horticulture or related discipline or Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, nutrition, education, horticulture or related discipline plus 4 years transferable relevant research based experience.
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees; and ability to collaborate effectively with professional teams and local/regional agriculture service providers.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan, deliver and evaluate projects by identifying and using program resources, research and evidence-based practices.
• Ability to organize and manage tasks under changing priorities, and balance work appropriately between program, outreach, and professional services.
• Ability to communicate effectively, respectfully and accessibly through verbal, written, and digital methods, including using technology (e.g., audio, video).
• Must have a basic level of proficiency with the software necessary for performing work responsibilities: Windows, Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.
• Ability to operate office equipment such as computer, calculator, fax, printers, laminators, shredder.
• Ability to maintain files current and orderly.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality relating to client and volunteer matters.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to identify problems and suggest solutions.
• Have a willingness to learn new skills and information.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to carry supplies and equipment, including by stairs and in outdoor/agricultural settings with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Knowledge of Farm to School programs.
• Experience working with farmers and/or with school administrators and faculty, educating children in multiple settings, adapting and developing curriculum, and procuring foods.
• Experience in agricultural/horticultural enterprises, in agriculture outreach and education in Cooperative Extension, or other non-profit/service organizations.
• Knowledge of Schoharie/Otsego Counties’ people, land, and farm enterprises.
• Knowledge of food preservation, ServSafe certification, or food preparation / food demonstration.

• Develop programs in collaboration with Wellness Committees in each participating school.
• Assist with the development of peer-to-peer learning opportunities among school food-service staff.
• Collaborate with food distributors and farmers to develop innovative programs.
• Collaborate with Food Service Directors to identify farm partners and develop programs.
• Assist to ensure program development is within the scope of the Association FTS & TWG Plans of Work.
• Assist with making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

• Apply existing subject matter knowledge to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational programs.
• Deliver high quality educational programs and events directed at educating target audience and partners on the importance of increasing the volume and variety of local specialty crops procured by schools/districts for inclusion in school meals programs in-line with grant requirements.
• Deliver educational programming to food service staff related to utilization of locally sourced specialty crops in season and proper use of preparation and storage techniques.
• Educate and provide guidance to local producers on required food safety certifications, the bid process, etc., as part of program delivery.
• Collaborate with food service staff, teachers, and administrators to deliver and implement existing meal programs such as Harvest of the Month, Salad Bars to Schools (Chef Ann Foundation), NY Thursdays, etc., that feature local foods.
• Collaborate with school and community garden stakeholders.
• Interact with program participants and provide standard to moderately complex non-standard responses, representing CCE in a professional manner at all times.
• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.

• Assist supervisor in the creation of an evaluation framework.
• Assist in identifying program gaps and emerging needs and make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, and improvements.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings.

• Assist with developing initiatives to promote locally sourced / NYS farm products and farms as key components of school meals programs, cafeteria menus, and FTS curriculums.
• Collaborate with food service staff to establish ways to promote and serve locally sourced foods as a component of the 30% Initiative.
• Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement program initiatives and projects.
• Work with food service staff to determine the need for new equipment in participating schools to prepare or serve locally sourced specialty crops.
• Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
• Assist supervisor with the development of future grant program narratives based on data collected and knowledge of the FTS program and initiatives.

• Assist supervisor in administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
• Assist in ensuring program activities conform to the Association’s Plan of Work.
• Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to Association strategies / Plan of Work.
• Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources.
• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations.

• Compile research-based educational resources for outreach materials and for distribution to program participants and the public.
• Provide administrative support for program design and for implementation of the assessment, development, delivery, research, and evaluation of established program goals.
• Schedule, coordinate and facilitate project-related meetings and conference calls as needed.
• Complete evaluation submission and reporting requirements following established grant criteria/plan.
• Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments as necessary.

• 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 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.
• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and trainings as scheduled and/or required.
• Pursue personal growth through expanding personal knowledge of the total organization and through updating techniques and technical skills relating to the position.
• Carry out assignments and other duties as assigned by supervisor including, but not limited to, local fairs, events, community activities, etc.

• 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.

• 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.
• Be aware of, and adhere to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Schoharie and Otsego Counties’ policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
• At all times act in a professional manner including, but not limited to, business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive and receptive manner.

• Paid Time Off
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including FREE Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Total Care Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity Plan
• 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

Association Subject Educator II 003 Hourly Contract College Lori North