The Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County (CCEPC) Volunteer and Program Coordinator coordinates the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and in addition oversees all volunteer management and program coordination. Recruit, train and provide support to Master Gardener and CCEPC volunteers. Offer regular professional development opportunities for all CCEPC volunteers. Provide horticultural knowledge utilizing research-based university or extension resources. Monitor all program volunteers for adherence to standards of information and data collection about the program and work with supervisor if issues. Provide guidance and support to MG volunteers for their planned programs as well as provide programmatic support and coordination. Recruit MG volunteers for CCE Community Horticulture Program projects in addition to other volunteers for general CCEPC programming.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Equivalent Education. Associate Degree + 2 yrs transferrable program/functional experience is acceptable.

• Coursework in horticulture, plant science, landscape design or related subjects.

• Demonstrated ability to engage and motivate volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to prepare presentations and teach 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:

• Knowledge of annual, perennial and woody ornamentals and their use in the landscape

• Knowledge of invasive species and best management practices

• Demonstrated ability using Volunteer Management Software, such as Get Connected

• Spanish language skills

• Skill in using websites, writing press releases, and other marketing and communication skills.

  Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:Program Delivery - 5%

• Train new volunteers on subject matter and provide professional development for existing volunteers.

• 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. Refer more difficult, complex questions to regional team and/or campus faculty.

• Interact and communicate with program participants and volunteers in a variety of ways, including face to face, e-mail, telephone and social media in order 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.

Program Evaluation - 5%

• Implement program evaluation as designed.

• Based on program parameters, interpret evaluation data and communicate results to the supervisor and/or program funders.

• Interact with program participants and community members to obtain their evaluation of programs.

• Assist supervisor by making suggestions for programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

• Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data.

• Assist in multidisciplinary team efforts to design or analyze program evaluation

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 5%

• Provide input to volunteers in planning the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.

• Provide input to supervisor to assist in planning the delivery of the established Master Gardener and educational program goals.

• Provide input based on knowledge of Master Gardener program needs and implementation to supervisor for planning the master gardener program budget.

Management - 10%

• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise in the operation of the horticulture and gardening and general programs, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures related to volunteer management and goals.

• Provide direction and give guidance to all volunteers, as well as monitor the performance of volunteers utilizing association volunteer management program tools.

• Perform tasks related to 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 - 70%

• Provide input to supervisor to support the implementation of mass media efforts related to the master gardener 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 volunteers in program coordination activities, including fundraising, as assigned.

• Maintain confidentiality of information regarding all program participants and volunteers.

• Maintain MG and general 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.

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 Putnam 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, 35 hours per week, non-exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation paid at the rate of $22 to $25 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 Putnam 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 September 18, 2024. 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 II

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.