Cornell University

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County seeks a part-time Farm Educator (0-20 hours per week).

About the role

Prepare and assist with Early Childhood Programs including Little Farmers Preschool and Learn and Play. Assist with festivals, special events, and day-to-day operations of Farm Education programs. Deliver educational programs both on-farm and in schools, libraries, and other community settings as outlined in the current “Field Trips and Outreaches” brochure.

Responsibilities

• Teach existing educational programs as defined.
• Present all programs offered in the current “Education Programs for Youth” brochure, both on-farm and in community settings.
• Deliver programs for birthday parties, family programs, festivals, and special events.
• Foster acceptance of program methods and policies to address community and individual needs, considering diverse audiences.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource using established materials; provide standard responses.
• Interact with program participants and represent Cornell Cooperative Extension before the public, community leaders, and government officials.
• Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.
• May assist in providing educational content via mass media.
• Implement program evaluation as designed.
• Assist with program organization, including purchasing supplies, preparing materials, and set-up/clean-up of program areas.
• Complete necessary paperwork, including purchase orders and program budgets.
• Handle cash transactions from the public.
• Answer general program inquiries via telephone and email.
• Register participants for special programs.
• Maintain cleanliness of work environment and farm facility.
• Develop and pursue a professional development plan in cooperation with supervisors.
• Collaborate in activities supporting Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
• Participate in required orientation, training, and in-service meetings.
• Pursue personal growth through expanding knowledge of the organization and updating technical skills.
• Support a safe working environment and follow applicable regulations and policies.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in Early Childhood, Animal Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Education, or related field, or High School Diploma and 2 years of volunteer or work experience.
• One year of paid or volunteer experience working with children and/or the public.
• Ability to learn how to drive a tractor, van, horse trailer, truck, and livestock trailer.
• Ability to lift 10-20 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with the position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, if required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood, Animal Science, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Education, or related field.
• Additional education and training in education, agriculture, animal sciences, natural sciences, human development, or consumer sciences.
• Additional teaching experience related to the fields listed above.
• Experience teaching subjects related to agriculture, animal sciences, natural sciences, human development, or consumer sciences.

Pay

$18 per hour.

Schedule

Part-time, non-exempt, temporary position (0-20 hours per week). Hours may include evenings and weekends.