Job Information
Cornell Cooperative Extension Local Foods Educator - Watertown, NY in Watertown, New York
This position will serve as the Local Foods Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County and will work under the direction and supervision of the Local Foods Manager. The primary responsibility of this position is to implement a robust marketing and education plan to ensure consumers are aware of opportunities to access fresh, local food at farmers markets with a goal of increasing the use of SNAP EBT and other food resource programs. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: hosting cooking classes and events; training farmers market managers, staff, volunteers, and vendors on SNAP EBT acceptance best practices; using established marketing channels to highlight opportunities; and educating customers on usage of food resource programs and farmers markets through tabling or community events and workshops. This position will work with the Farmers Market Federation of New York, farmers market managers, farmers market vendors, and the community to increase opportunities for local producers by increasing the number of farmers markets accepting SNAP EBT and other food resource programs. This position will assist with the creation of the annual Local Food Guide.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
All applicants must apply online by close of day on May 13, 2024 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references.
All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.
All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .
Please contact Jane Pearson, Association HR Coordinator at 315-788-8450 with questions.
POSITION DETAILS:
This position is a part-time non-exempt position, 20 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $20.00. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, NYS retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.
POSITION INFORMATION:
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent education (Associate’s Degree and two (2) years transferrable program/function experience).
Experience relevant to the role of the position.
Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to utilize program resources within the community.
Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal education programs through a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups, including adults and youth.
Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means.
Demonstrated ability to use standard computer programs.
Demonstrated some knowledge of local food systems, agriculture, nutrition or food benefit programs.
Program Responsibilities:
Program Delivery - 70%
Host cooking classes and other events under the Fresh and Healthy Brand to build an awareness of opportunities, create producer recognition, provide local food education, and work toward consumer behavior change.
Educate customers on usage of food resource programs and farmers markets.
Utilize established marketing channels, such as press releases and social media, to highlight the increased opportunities for under-resourced consumers available.
Utilize established program resources and materials in program work.
Implement already-established educational programing and program activities as identified/needed to support the established plan of work.
Assist in providing existing information to bring awareness to the public in the form of impact statements, articles for progress/annual reports, and news releases, etc.
Occasionally apply established subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans as identified.
Under the direction and oversight of the Program Manager, adapt already established curriculum and materials as needed to meet established program objectives.
Provide Farmers Market educational programs via mass media.
Provide learning opportunities to consumers to help them gain an understanding of where their food comes from and understand the impact of eating locally.
Work to foster acceptance of the Farmers Market Program, methods and policies while addressing community and individual needs and considering diverse audiences.
Serve as a subject-matter resource in the area of Farmers Markets to staff and participants, community organizations and the general public.
Serve as a team member and cooperate with the entire Association and Local Foods Program staff to achieve Association program delivery goals.
Evaluation - 5%
Implement program evaluation as designed.
Interact with program participants to obtain evaluation data, to include: evaluating effectiveness of classes and instructors within program areas for all Farmers Market Programs.
Assist Program Manager in the process of analyzing program data, and based on that analysis, assist in making recommendations for improvements in program offerings.
Communicate evaluation findings to constituents as appropriate.
Share data collected in planning (pre-project) regarding Farmers Market coordination, marketing, and accessibility by working directly with farmers market managers in Jefferson County.
Use sales data and feedback from farmers market vendors, farmers market manager, and customers to evaluate needed changes.
Disseminate analysis results to partners of the food supply chain, including but not limited to, farmers, producers, and potential farm-to-school partners.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction - 5%
Assist in the planning and promotion of major public events and programs including, but not limited to: assisting with mass media efforts related to upcoming events and programs.
Work in cooperation with the Jefferson County Food Policy Council to help establish priorities, objectives, and programming.
Assist in fostering effective professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
Participate in identifying and executing weekly goals priorities and goals.
Work with relevant partner organizations in the Central New York region to help plan informational sessions and matchmaking opportunities with producers interested in pursuing farm-to-table.
Work with relevant partner organizations in the Central New York region to help plan roundtable discussions with supply chain stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and partnerships.
Management - 10%
Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (i.e. program supplies and materials) to the Program Manager.
Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
Give guidance to volunteers and staff, including those performing similar work.
Coordination/Operation - 5%
Train farmers market managers, staff, volunteers and vendor on SNAP EBT and other food resources best practices.
Determine additional food resource programs best suited for each farmers market.
Work with the Farmers Market Federation of New York to implement a centralized market token system at each of the farmers markets in Jefferson County with the goal of adding four new markets.
Work with Cornell Cooperative Extension Nutrition Department staff to provide education for customers on usage of food resource programs at farmers markets.
Work with farmers’ market managers to ensure SNAP EBT and other applicable food resources at local markets are available and sales data is collected.
Obtain evaluation data and program needs assessments from program participants based on existing evaluation framework and guidelines.
Organize and coordinate program activities related to Farmers Market Programming.
Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the Farmers Market Program to include, but not limited to: preparing correspondence, maintain files, etc.
Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.
Identify relevant Jefferson and Lewis County farmers, producers, school administration, food authorities, representatives of supply chain infrastructure components, and farm to school partner organizations to form procurement opportunities.
Identify, survey, and map Jefferson and Lewis County farmers and producers to gather data for a farm to school database and supply chain asset mapping.
Offer and promote training and support to farmers and producers interested in selling to the farm-to-school market.
Work with relevant partner organizations in the Central New York region to host informational sessions and matchmaking opportunities with producers interested in pursuing farm-to-table.
Work with relevant partner organizations in the Central New York region to host roundtable discussions with supply chain stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and partnerships.
Work with relevant partner organizations in the Central New York region to host presentations and panel discussions for relevant school district administration covering farm-to-school opportunities.
Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
Assist the Program Manager in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of Farmers Market programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 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 in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
Participate in required orientation programs; work with supervisor and work team staff to gain pertinent skills and information for specific on-job skills.
Attend relevant in-service education programs.
Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.
Support the association to maintain a safe working environment.
Be familiar 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.
Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers, and the public.
Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
Be aware of, and adhere to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County policies and procedures.
Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
Job Title:
Association Subject Educator I
Level:
004
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Jerilynn Cross
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.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . 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.
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. As provided in New York State County Law Article 5, Section 224, the independent county and regional extension service associations are locally operated under the direction of Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. County and regional extension service association employees are employed by their association to engage in educational work and are not employees of Cornell University. Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.