4-H Program Educator - Watertown, NY

This position will serve as the 4-H Youth Development Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Jefferson County and, under the leadership and oversight of the Youth and Family Program Manager, will provide program implementation, administrative direction, management, and coordination for the 4-H Youth Development Program.
This position will assist in the planning, development and evaluation, as well as coordinating and implementing educational programming. Primary responsibilities include traditional 4-H club and volunteer development; coordination of youth participation in the Jefferson County Fair and New York State Fair; implementation of school-based, afterschool, military-connected, and community youth programming; support of Camp Wabasso educational programming and field trips; grant-funded initiatives; and countywide educational events that promote positive youth development.
This position will work closely with the Youth and Family Program Manager, volunteers, schools, military partners, community organizations, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and community partners to deliver research-based educational programming, coordinate volunteer efforts, and ensure compliance with Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State 4-H, grant, and risk management requirements.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING
All applicants must apply by close of day on October 8, 2026 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit an 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 Erin O'Rourke Parnapy, Assistant Manager for HR & Operations at 315-788-8450 with questions.
POSITION DETAILS:
This position is a full-time non-exempt position - 100% FTE, 40 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $24.00. This position, based on eligibility, offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include: health and dental insurance, retirement, vacation, sick and personal leave.
POSITION INFORMATION:
Required Qualifications:
Master’s Degree or equivalent education (Bachelor’s Degree with four (4) years transferrable relevant evidence-based research 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 needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
Familiarity with 4-H Clubs, including science, technology, math, engineering, and wellness.
Familiarity with military and community organizations.
Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach youth, individuals and groups (ages 6-18).
Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
Demonstrated ability to plan for and lead large community events.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Responsibilities:
Development - 10%
Assist the Youth and Family Program Manager in the development of innovative 4-H Youth Development educational programming and strategies that interest a variety of youth audiences.
Assist in researching, identifying, and selecting educational resources for program use.
Assist in structuring educational programs to meet identified community needs and support the Association Plan of Work.
Assist in the development and adaptation of lesson plans, educational materials, and activities utilizing research-based resources.
Assist in maintaining direct linkages with Cornell University faculty, Extension educators, schools, military partners, volunteers, and community organizations to strengthen programming.
Assist in evaluating educational programming and recommending improvements based on evaluation outcomes.
Work cooperatively with Youth and Family Program staff to expand educational opportunities and strengthen existing programming.
Delivery, Evaluation and Applied Research - 55%
Teach and facilitate established 4-H Youth Development educational programming utilizing a variety of delivery methods.
Coordinate and implement educational programming within traditional 4-H clubs, schools, afterschool programs, military-connected youth programs, community organizations, Camp Wabasso educational programming and field trips, and other educational settings.
Deliver educational programming focused on STEM, agriculture, environmental education, leadership, citizenship, healthy living, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and life skills.
Coordinate youth participation in county, district, regional, and statewide 4-H educational events, leadership opportunities, contests, conferences, camps, fairs, and educational trips.
Utilize research-based educational methodologies appropriate for diverse audiences.
Serve as a subject matter resource for youth, volunteers, families, community organizations, and the general public.
Foster acceptance of Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development programming while addressing community and individual needs.
Implement program evaluation, collect participant data, assist in analyzing outcomes, and prepare required reports.
Work cooperatively with Association staff to achieve overall Youth and Family Program goals.
Administrative Responsibilities:
Direction and Management - 15%
Coordinate the recruitment, onboarding, orientation, screening, training, and ongoing support of 4-H volunteers.
Coordinate traditional 4-H club operations including volunteer communication, enrollment, leader support, compliance, fundraising guidance, and recognition activities.
Coordinate volunteer meetings, trainings, leadership development opportunities, and recognition events.
Maintain volunteer and youth enrollment records utilizing approved data management systems, including 4-H Online.
Coordinate scholarships, award programs, public presentations, and youth recognition activities.
Assist with planning and implementing fund development activities, including Tractor Supply Paper Clover Campaigns and other fundraising initiatives.
Monitor assigned program budgets, club funds, and financial procedures in accordance with Association policies.
Assist with grant implementation, purchasing, invoicing, reporting, and required documentation.
Ensure compliance with Cornell Cooperative Extension policies, New York State 4-H policies, grant requirements, insurance requirements, safety procedures, and risk management practices.
Coordination/Operation - 15%
Coordinate all aspects of Jefferson County 4-H participation in the Jefferson County Fair, including youth enrollment and participation, project and exhibit registration, educational displays and activities, volunteer coordination, scheduling, communication with youth, families, judges, and fair officials, recognition activities, and evaluation.
Coordinate Jefferson County 4-H participation in the New York State Fair, including participant selection, registration, required documentation, transportation logistics, communication, chaperone coordination, and participant support.
Coordinate the planning, implementation, and operation of assigned 4-H Youth Development programs including traditional 4-H clubs and volunteer development, Horse Program, Shooting Sports, Fort Drum and military-connected youth programming, school-based and afterschool programming, and district, regional, and statewide 4-H opportunities.
Assist with and support Youth and Family Program initiatives and special events led by other program staff, including Mad City Money, AG Venture Days, National 4-H Week, Student Government, Camp Wabasso educational programming and field trips, family engagement events, community outreach activities, and other assigned programs and events.
Coordinate educational exhibits, promotional efforts, public presentations, community outreach activities, and 4-H club demonstrations.
Maintain effective professional relationships with volunteers, schools, military partners, community organizations, businesses, county agencies, and other youth-serving organizations.
Collect and maintain accurate program participation records, inventories, financial documentation, evaluation data, and required reports.
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