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

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

The Horticulture & Gardening Coordinator will provide program coordination and support to the Horticulture and Natural Resources programs and facilitate the dissemination of the horticulture and natural resources information to the residents of Yates County utilizing a trained volunteer corp. This position will serve as primary contact and coordinator for the Master Gardener Volunteer Program, Climate Steward and Yates County Master Forest Owner volunteers.

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