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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County has an opening for full-time Horticulture Program Leader working from the Rocherster, NY office.

The Horticulture Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Monroe County is responsible for providing leadership in the planning, management, and coordination of all horticulture educational programs in the county.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Master’s Degree in Horticulture or related discipline appropriate to the responsibilities of the position. Bachelor’s Degree plus 4 years transferrable relevant evidence­ based research experience may substitute.• Experience relevant to the role of the position.• Knowledge of the principles, theory, research, and application of subject matter appropriate to area of horticulture.• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. • Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional methods as well as electronic technology.• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to staff.• Demonstrated experience and ability to work independently and as part of a team with internal and external partners at multiple levels within organizations and across communities.• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal education programs for diverse audiences. • Ability to effectively lead, manage, and participate in professional team efforts and highly functioning work teams. • Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, professional leaders, and clientele groups.• Ability to identify and make use of program resources within the community and to establish a leadership role within the community and association.• Ability to identify and secure funding that supports programs, including grant writing, developing public and private partnerships.• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.• 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Two years professional or volunteer relevant to the role of the position.• Experience and background in plant pathology, integrated pest management, natural resources, and/or entomology.• Background or course work in leadership, management, education, and/or grant writing/management.• Experience and/or background with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.• Experience in identifying, guiding, and collaborating with volunteers. • Ability to generate a credible media presence in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program Development - 5%• Under the direction and programmatic oversight of the Supervisor, assist in the development of innovative educational programs and strategies to meet identified Horticulture needs and interests of participants and volunteers.• Assist in research, identification, creation, and/or selection of appropriate educational and community resources and identify additional resources required for new programs and initiatives.• Assist in structuring programs to meet the needs of program participants. • May draw upon Cornell University program resources and research in order to address needs and to select program materials.• Assist Supervisor in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local priorities.

Program Delivery - 15%• Deliver innovative, high quality horticulture education programs and events that address identified programming priorities utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including formal and informal workshops, seminars, social and mass media consistent with identified educational needs. • Deliver high quality environmental educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide programming priorities using existing program resources and materials.• Provide subject matter resource and information related to management of plant, insect, and disease problems; horticulture, entomology, and plant pathology; structural pests and ticks.• Serve as subject matter expert in the area of horticulture and diagnostic lab for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, general public and professionals working within the county and the region. • Consult and utilize target audiences/stakeholders, collaborators, organizations, agencies, government, and other key partners in program delivery efforts.• Foster acceptance of programs, methods, and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences.• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty, program units and other Land Grant Universities as appropriate for program delivery guidance.• Ensure program delivery is within the scope of the statewide and Association Plan of Work.• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell, or other land grant universities in a professional manner as part of program delivery.

Program Evaluation - 5%• Assist in the creation of program evaluation framework.• Interact with program participants, Association staff, program committees, county/community leaders, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.• Assist in analyzing collected program evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods. • Recommend program changes to strengthen and improve programs.• Communicate outcomes to the Executive Director, leadership team, Board, program advisory committee, Cornell faculty, county, and community leaders. • Assist with making recommendations for program changes to strengthen and improve programs.

Applied Research - 5%• Collaborate in the applied research process in conjunction with Cornell University faculty as identified and opportunities become available to design, create, or implement applied research collection framework.• Collect and process soil, plant, and insect diagnostic lab samples.• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and program units for guidance in applied research.• Communicate social and economic changes to Cornell University Specialists that may be studied and/or acted upon.

Administrative Direction - 20%• Assist with establishing local Horticulture program goals and priorities.• Plan the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.• Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.• 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.• Assist with development of grant applications to secure funding for ongoing/expanded programming efforts. • Provide supervisor with program related information to assist in the budget development process.• May provide input to planning program budget based on program feasibility needs and assist in identifying opportunities for program fund development activities.• Assist supervisor in identifying Horticulture staff and/or volunteer development or trainings needs and assist with planning programs to train staff and/or volunteers, as necessary.

Administrative Management - 25%• Assist with ensuring 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 with identifying, anticipating, recommending, and planning for program needs (i.e., program supplies and materials).• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.• Assist with grant proposals to secure additional resources and funding, actively involving the Executive Director, Program Committee, Board of Directors, Cornell faculty, and Extension Administration, as necessary.• Provide guidance to assigned staff by coaching, supporting, and providing feedback to enable educators to achieve program objectives and meet the needs of constituents. • Ensure 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. • Monitor program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association and is research based.• Assist with monitoring program financial status to ensure compliance with funding requirements, program budget, grant specifications, and adherence to association strategies/plan of work.• Assist with effectively managing program budget allocations. • Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. • Make recommendations to Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs. • Supervise direct reports; provide direct feedback on performance through formal and informal channels; conduct formal annual performance reviews for direct reports.

Administrative Coordination/Operation - 20%• Organize and coordinate activities related to Horticulture educational programming and events. • Coordinate Horticulture volunteer enrollment/reporting process and work with the team to ensure all volunteer files, paperwork, and communication has been completed in accordance with established policies and procedures. • Organize, coordinate, and facilitate the work of volunteers in implementing educational events related to established program priorities. • Apply existing subject matter knowledge to coordinate, compile, assemble, and organize existing program resources and program materials.• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts. • Collaborate with community agencies as requested or required to facilitate programming, special events, and activities.• Maintain communication with constituents and the community through variety of methods such as contributing educational articles to program newsletters, media releases, bulk mailings, social media accounts, media interviews, website postings to increase program visibility and to address issues. • Assist with coordination of effective marketing strategies and promotion of programming through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational, and other organizations. • Coordinate and assist with special projects and outreach efforts as required by Supervisor.• Actively serve on appropriate regional, state, and national committees and task forces that support overall educational and organizational efforts of the Cornell Cooperative Extension system.• Review and approve time cards and time-off requests for direct reports.• Maintain records, perform data management, and complete program reports as required by the Association in accordance with established policies and procedures as well as in compliance with grant/contract requirements. • 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.• Transport self and/or program materials/resources necessary for performing position responsibilities.

Professional Improvement - 5%• In cooperation with the Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.• Participate in all required orientation, training, and/or in-service meetings and events as scheduled/required.

Health and Safety - Applies 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.

Policy and Other Duties as Assigned - Applies to all duties and functions• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Cooperative Extension programs and other duties as assigned. • Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. • Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association policies, procedures, processes, and Skills for Success. • 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 at all times. • Perform all assigned duties in a professional, timely, and accurate manner.• Maintain regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.

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POSITION DETAILS Expected Weekly Hours: 40 hours per week Hourly Wage: $28.00 to $28.50 per hour , commensurate with experienceLocation: Based from the Rochester, NY office Remote Status: This position may be eligible for hybrid work consideration after employment period of 3 months and based on meeting performance objectives. Benefits: Full benefits , based on eligibility, including:• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave• Paid Holidays• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)• NYS Retirement (NYSERS)• Long-Term Disability Insurance• 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• Credit Counseling ______________________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION DEADLINE Apply online by 11:59pm EST on August 18, 2025

Review of applications will begin immediately. Position will remain open for applications until satisfactory pool has been identified. Contact Kimberly at [email protected] with questions.

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HOW TO APPLY To be considered all applicants are requested to:(1) Complete all sections of the Online Application (2) Upload/attach a Cover Letter and Resume (3) Upload/attach contact information for 3 Professional References

Upload *ALL* documents (PDF or MS Word format) at the beginning of the application process. This allows our system to pre-fill parts of the application and saves you time.

+ External Applicants (including current employees of other CCE offices): Submit application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. Please refer to Applying for a Job (External Candidate) (http://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply) for additional guidance.

+ Internal Applicants (current employees working at this CCE office): Apply via  Workday under the "Career, Talent and Performance" section.

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. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact the recruiter listed above. ______________________________________________________________________________ No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available. ______________________________________________________________________________

Job Title:

Association Program Leader I

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Kimberly Amey

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 (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.