Ag & Food Systems Program Assistant - Liberty, NY

Cornell University · New York City · $22.14/hr (stated in the posting)

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Ag & Food Systems Program Assistant provides administrative, marketing, customer service, and operational support for Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County’s & Food Systems, Sullivan Fresh, and Taste NY programs. Responsibilities include communications and outreach, program and event support, inventory and e-commerce operations, bilingual Spanish-language assistance, and coordination with staff, farmers, vendors, community partners, and program participants.

General Ag & Food Systems Communications and Administrative Support:
Responsibilities include supporting outreach and marketing efforts through website updates, social media content, advertising, and the development and distribution of print and digital materials, including flyers, newsletters, emails, articles, press releases, and promotional Ag resources using established templates and platforms such as Canva. The position also assists with multimedia projects, including educational videos and other digital communications that support Ag & Food Systems outreach and engagement.

Additional responsibilities include supporting educational programs and community events through participant registration, material preparation, event logistics, and setup. The position also provides administrative and operational support, including fiscal recordkeeping, data collection, program reporting, and maintaining program records and business systems.

Responsibilities also include translating program materials and communications into Spanish and utilizing bilingual Spanish-language skills to communicate with and assist program participants, community members, customers, and partners.

Sullivan Fresh Program:
The Program Assistant supports the operation of Sullivan Fresh farmers markets and mobile markets through customer service, sales, inventory management, product transportation, merchandising, and market setup and breakdown. Responsibilities include promoting market programs, assisting customers, operating point-of-sale systems, processing transactions, maintaining records, and supporting reporting requirements. The position also assists with loading, unloading, product handling, equipment maintenance, and safe operation of the mobile market vehicle while following established food safety and sanitation procedures.

Taste NY Program:
The Program Assistant also provides operational support for the Taste NY Program.
Operations, Inventory & Customer Service:
Responsibilities include supporting daily retail and e-commerce operations by processing customer orders, coordinating shipping and fulfillment, providing customer service, processing refunds, and escalating complex issues as needed. Duties also include receiving and inspecting products, maintaining inventory and loss records, conducting inventory counts, organizing storage areas, monitoring stock levels, and supporting general recordkeeping to ensure accurate inventory management, and assisting in database entry and review to ensure vendor records and paperwork stay up to date.

Marketing, Website & Communications Support:
Responsibilities include maintaining website product listings, supporting online sales operations, conducting product and vendor research, assisting with content creation and basic SEO, and preparing information for internal and public use. Duties may also include product photography, basic photo editing, graphic design, blog and marketing content development, and professional communication with customers, vendors, and partners.

Required Qualifications:

Associate’s Degree or equivalent education. GED/High School Diploma plus one (1) year of transferable program or functional experience may substitute.
Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish through verbal, written, electronic, and visual communication methods.
One (1) year of experience in administrative support, customer service, communications, marketing, retail operations, program support, or a related field.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience using social media platforms, Canva, Constant Contact, QR code generators, and related communications tools.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, follow instructions, and prioritize responsibilities with attention to detail.
Ability to work with a high degree of integrity and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to work effectively with diverse audiences and maintain positive professional relationships with co-workers, volunteers, customers, vendors, community members, and organizational partners.
Ability to safely lift, carry, move, and transport supplies, equipment, products, and materials.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
Experience operating point-of-sale systems and handling cash and financial transactions, or willingness to learn.
Ability to work in outdoor environments and adapt to changing weather conditions.
Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate.
Experience with database entry and data management.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working effectively in collaborative team environments.
Experience collaborating with volunteers and interns.
Ability to identify and utilize local community resources.
Proficiency or experience using Canva, Constant Contact, and Adobe Creative Cloud programs, particularly Acrobat, Airtable, Wordpress, and WooCommerce.
Experience maintaining databases, spreadsheets, and data management systems.
Experience updating website content and digital communications using content management systems, website platforms, or similar technologies.
Experience operating point-of-sale systems and processing retail transactions.
Experience with inventory management, inventory tracking, e-commerce platforms, online sales, retail operations, or order fulfillment.
Experience creating digital content, including photography, video, social media, and website content.
Familiarity with local agriculture, farmers markets, food access programs, food systems, or local food promotion initiatives.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction & Management - 10 %

Participate in administrative and program team discussions, providing input on administrative procedures, technology systems, data collection, and recordkeeping processes.
Assist in managing the implementation and evaluation of administrative systems used to collect, track, and report program and grant-related data.
Support planning and coordination of marketing, communications, and outreach activities.

Assist in management of volunteer communication, scheduling, and related administrative support as needed.

Assist with managing internal cash controls, including bank deposits, check processing, and receipt reconciliation.
Review and verify the accuracy and completeness of enrollment, registration, order, and payment records.
Maintain the security and confidentiality of participant, registration, and financial information.
Identify operational issues and collaborate with the Supervisor to implement corrective actions.
Assist with management of orientation and training of new staff and volunteers on administrative procedures, technology systems, and program operations.
Support marketing, mass communication, website, and social media activities.

Coordination/Operation - 85 %

Respond to inquiries and provide customer service and information to participants, customers, vendors, community partners, and the public through phone, email, website, social media, mail, and other communication channels.
Provide administrative support to the Association and Ag & Food Systems program areas.
Assist with participant registration, program implementation, event logistics, material preparation, setup, and follow-up activities.
Assist with the preparation, editing, production, distribution, and mailing of correspondence, reports, surveys, newsletters, publicity materials, brochures, certificates, press releases, and other program communications.
Support communication and marketing efforts through website updates, social media management, online sales platforms, newsletters, public relations, advertising, event promotion, fundraising communications, and other outreach activities.
Design and maintain user-friendly web pages and online content using approved platforms and technologies.
Assist in the development, updating, and distribution of print and digital educational, promotional, and marketing materials including forms, evaluations, flyers, brochures, newsletters, videos, photography, and other outreach resources using approved platforms and templates.
Serve as a production and marketing resource for staff utilizing Canva, Acrobat, website content management systems, and related communication tools.
Assist program leadership in building and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse participants, community members, organizations, vendors, and partners.
Translate program materials, outreach communications, and educational resources into Spanish as needed.
Utilize bilingual Spanish-language skills to communicate with and assist program participants, customers, community members, vendors, and partners.
Create and maintain organized files, databases, and recordkeeping systems; perform data entry and routine data collection activities; and assist with fiscal recordkeeping and program reporting.
Maintain up-to-date inventories of program supplies, materials, and equipment.
Assist with the operation of Sullivan Fresh farmers markets and mobile markets, including market setup and breakdown, customer service, product merchandising, inventory management, sales activities, and community outreach.
Operate point-of-sale systems and process cash, credit card, SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, and other approved transactions in accordance with established procedures.
Assist with product loading, unloading, transportation, storage, inventory tracking, and merchandising while following established food safety and sanitation procedures.
Assist with volunteer communication, scheduling, and recordkeeping for Ag & Food Systems programs and events.
Assist with the safe operation of market equipment and mobile market vehicles and report maintenance needs to appropriate staff.
Support Taste NY retail and e-commerce operations by processing customer orders, coordinating fulfillment and shipping, processing refunds, and providing customer service.
Receive, inspect, organize, and track inventory; conduct inventory counts; maintain inventory records; monitor stock levels; and support inventory management systems.
Maintain website product listings and support online sales operations and related recordkeeping systems.
Conduct product and vendor research and support product promotion, merchandising, and marketing activities.
Operate standard office equipment and software programs as required for position responsibilities.
Process and maintain class and special event registrations, web publicity, and related financial transactions in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Participate in team decision-making activities and staff meetings as appropriate.
Record, transcribe, and distribute meeting minutes while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
Gather information and prepare materials requested by the Board of Directors, Administrative Team, Executive Director, and program leadership.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Improvement - 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 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.

Demonstrate respect and compassion in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to all audiences.
Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Sullivan 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.

This is a full time, 37.5 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $22.14 per hour. 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 Term 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 Sullivan 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 November 12, 2026. 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 Assistant II

Level:

006

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.

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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