CCE of Yates County Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator – Penn Yan, NY

Cornell University · New York City · $18–$20/hr (stated in the posting)

Apply on the company website

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 on-line by 11:59 pm on 10/26/2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Equivalent Education. (GED/High School Diploma with one-year transferable program/functional experience may substitute).
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agriculture, small farms, and market connections.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.
• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
• Ability to work in a typical office environment which may include lifting, moving, and/or transporting office supplies, work related materials, and equipment with or without accommodation. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of job-related experience in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, sustainability, environmental education, or related fields.
• Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
• Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
• Ability to organize, implement and teach informal educational programs.
• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
• Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and community.
• Ability to relate effectively to coworkers, advisor, community and professional leaders.
• Ability to organize, manage and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Program Responsibilities:

Program Delivery – 10 %

• Based on the annual plan of work in agriculture, natural resources, and consumer horticulture, deliver high-quality, existing educational programs and activities for adults and youth in traditional and non-traditional settings.
• Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, Internet, and distance learning to deliver program.
• Conduct in-service trainings for volunteers and distribute subject matter resources/ materials.
• Serve as subject matter resource, utilizing established program resources and materials, to provide information and resources to program participants.
• Foster acceptance of program, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences through frequent contact with program participants, parents, and volunteers.
• Interact with program participants, parents, and volunteers representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. Presents as a positive role model for participants in all program activities and programs.
• Represent CCE before the public, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.

Program Evaluation – 5 %

• Participate in evaluation of programs through the dissemination and collection of evaluation data from participants and other key stakeholders for use in enhancing and improving programs.
• Provide input to the team to improve evaluation data collection and resulting implementation of program adjustments.
• Work with Supervisor on Annual Plan of Work including collecting Federal Data and Success stories needed
• Participate in and Report results of the evaluation of Cornell plant material trials.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction – 5 %

• Assist supervisor with limited complex administrative tasks to support the planning of educational programs

• Assist with development of marketing strategies, public affairs, and special events to reach target audiences and meet program objectives.

• Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement

• Provide input and/or recommendations of program related information to the supervisor to assist with the budget development process

Management – 5 %

• Supporting volunteer direction and management procedures are followed according to established policies and procedures by providing guidance, leadership, and resources for volunteers and volunteer leaders including recruitment, screening, orientation, training, evaluation, and management.
• Assist programs with limited-complexity administrative tasks to support program planning.
• Assist with solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures and with supervisor guidance as needed.
• Assist with identifying, anticipating, recommending, and planning for program needs/supplies.
• Assist in identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the program and Association.

Coordination/Operation – 70 %

• Maintain and prepare teaching materials necessary for programs applying existing subject matter knowledge.
• Coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials.
• Schedule volunteer events, meetings and trainings to foster contact and relationship building within volunteer base.
• Participate in special projects including but not limited to volunteer trainings, County Fair, Fundraising, enrollment campaign and other extension association activities as assigned.
• Draft standard and nonstandard communications, requiring occasional guidance from supervisor
• Assist with maintaining communication with constituents and the community through a variety of methods such as contributing educational articles to program newsletters, media releases, bulk mailings, social media accounts, website postings to increase program visibility and to address issues.
• Assist with coordination of marketing and promotion of Horticulture and Natural Resources programming through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and other organizations.
• Provide administrative support to facilitate coordination and implementation of multimedia efforts in the promotion of programming
• Interact with Master Gardener/garden volunteers.
• Assist volunteers with special projects and outreach efforts as required by supervisor.
• Monitor and Assist volunteers with tracking and recording volunteer activity and their hours spent.
  • Maintain Master Gardener and Natural Resources Volunteer Database
  • Run background checks
  • Run MVR Checks
  • Complete DOJ checks
  • Ensure annual training compliance for volunteers
• Assist with organization and coordination of horticulture and natural resources activities and exhibits relating to county fair.
• Assist with coordination of fundraisers including plant sales, friend of extension campaign, etc.
• Assist with educational seminars including venue reservation, scheduling registration, etc.
• Assist with "Gardening Matters Day" workshop which includes scheduling, procuring supplies, organizing volunteers and overseeing event, etc.
• Prepare and submit accurate expense reports, mileage reports, receipts/supporting documentation, and/or vouchers in a timely manner per established policy and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and data collected, accessed and/or maintained.
• Provide data and information to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories for funders, advisory committees, Board, and others as requested.
• Provide low complex administrative tasks in the implementation of the budget to include, but not limited to, assisting with budget allocations and providing input for the preparation of the budget.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• This position may require the transport of self and/or program materials/resources in performing position responsibilities.
• Collaborate with administration staff to provide general office and reception support as necessary/required.

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 with activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned; including but not limited to general office and reception support.

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 part-time (20h/week) non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $18-$20 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 Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu

https://yates.cce.cornell.edu/

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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.

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