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.
Application Instructions
In the My Information section be sure to enter your full name, address, email, and phone number(s).
Include a cover letter, resume and at least three references (at least one who is a current or former supervisor or teacher). To attach documents, under the My Experience section use the Select Files button to search for files or use the Drop Files Here box to drag documents into your application. If you plan to upload more than one document, click the Upload icon for each additional document. Please note, once your application is submitted you will not be able to change your submission or add attachments. If you would like to add or update documents to your online application after submission, please contact Kelsey James, Association Lead Human Resources Manager, via e-mail kmr236@cornell.edu.
External Applicants: (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) please refer to Applying for a Job with Cornell Cooperative Extension (External Candidate) for additional guidance.
All Internal Applicants: Those who are currently employed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association indicated in this job posting must apply online via their employee Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/
Apply By
All applications must be received on-line by 11:59 pm on 10/26/2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.
Required Qualifications
Associate’s or Equivalent Education. (GED/High School Diploma with one-year transferable program/functional experience may substitute).
Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of agriculture, small farms, and market connections.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
Ability to organize, implement, and teach informal educational programs.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of job-related experience in horticulture, plant science, agriculture, sustainability, environmental education, or related fields.
Experience in guiding and collaborating with volunteers.
Ability to identify and develop volunteer leadership.
Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community and funding partners.
Ability to organize, implement and teach informal educational programs.
Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools, as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).
Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and community.
Ability to relate effectively to coworkers, advisor, community and professional leaders.
Ability to organize, manage and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
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 provi