Job Description

The Environmental/Natural Resource Educator works collaboratively with CCE of Seneca and Cayuga Counties and Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District to develop, assess, deliver, and evaluate new and existing programs. Educational efforts include the subjects of climate change, recycling, lakes and watersheds, invasive species, solid waste management, composting, alternative energy and other related topics as needed or assigned. Additionally, the position includes the promotion of, and engagement with Cornell Climate Stewards, 4-H Shooting Sports, Envirothon, and other youth and adult civic leadership opportunities. This position may work with Cornell, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Farm Bureau, Seneca County Government Departments, area sportsmen’s clubs, lake/watershed associations, and other relevant organizations to provide programming and projects in the areas of Fisheries, Wildlife, Master Naturalist, and Master Forester programs.

The Educator serves as an influential subject matter expert working with CCE staff, Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District staff, youth, and volunteers, as well as partner organizations, governmental offices, members of the public, and others. This position works independently and with limited supervision, influencing policies and decisions for the Association.

The Educator reports to, and is located in CCE of Seneca County, with additional programmatic oversight and guidance from CCE of Cayuga and Seneca County Soil and Water Conservation District.

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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu

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 online by 11:59 pm on 6/18/2026 Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree 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 assess, develop, deliver, and evaluate programs. Ability to effectively participate in and assist in leading professional team efforts.

• 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 accommodations 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.

• Spanish language communication skills

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Assessment – 15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to identify gaps and trends in community.

• Analyze program needs.

• Make recommendations for programmatic offerings, enhancements, or improvements.

• Involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to assess programming.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units, and stakeholders for program assessment guidance.

Program Development – 15%

• Apply subject matter knowledge to develop educational strategies.

• Research, identify and select existing resources for the program.

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

• Interpret program direction to ensure program development is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

• Structure programs to meet the need of diverse program participants.

• Involved in multi-association and multidisciplinary team efforts to develop program to address priority issues.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units, and stakeholders for program development guidance.

• Make programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes.

Program Delivery – 30%

• Serve as subject matter expert; provide highly complex nonstandard 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.

• Deliver innovative programs and trainings to the public and volunteers and in collaboration with partner organizations. Topics include but are not limited to: Cornell Climate Stewards Program, Generating Recycling & Energy Education Now (GR&EEN) Teen Peer Education Program, Envirothon, lake/watershed education (Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB), flooding, wetlands), invasive species, solid waste management, composting, recycling, and alternative and renewable energy.

• Teach existing programs as defined. Teach innovative assigned programs with discretion.

• Apply subject matter knowledge expertise to create innovative lesson plans to deliver educational program.

• 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 and Soil and Water 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.

• Evaluate and utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and stakeholders for program delivery guidance.

• Ensure program delivery is within scope of the statewide Plan of Work.

Program Evaluation – 10%

• Lead and participate in evaluation activities including use of surveys and statewide evaluation platforms.

• Apply subject matter knowledge and logic models to evaluate and analyze programs; make recommendations for improvements.

• Design, create, and implement program evaluation.

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

• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units, and stakeholders for program evaluation guidance.

• Interpret and communicate evaluation data to the constituencies.

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

• Ensure program evaluation is within scope of the Plan of Work.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 10%

• Plan assigned programs and events.

• Assist in developing, enhancing, and expanding relationships with appropriate groups, community-based associations (lake associations, clubs, etc.), Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISMs), Cornell Waste Management Institute, agencies, organizations, industries, and community leaders.

• Lead and plan the delivery of established program goals; recruit community partners to conduct education activities, including CCE Associations and staff.

• Plan the structure of delivering programs via various methods.

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

• Provide input to planning program budget.

Management – 10%

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

• Manage assigned programs and events in collaboration with multiple associations and 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.

• Managed assigned program budgets.

Coordination/Operation – 5%

• Coordinate assigned programs and events in collaboration with multiple associations 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.

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 on activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water 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.

Policy – Applied to all duties and functions

• Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, colleagues, volunteers, members of Cornell University faculty and staff, government officials and the general public in a professional manner.

• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association 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 Customer Service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive, and receptive manner.

Position Details

This is a full-time (40h/week) exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of 62,353.20/annually. 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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu

https://senecacountycce.org/

Job Title:

Association Resource Educator

Level:

002

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kelsey James

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.

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.