WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) Educator - Ellicottville, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County has an opening for full-time WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) Educator working from the Ellicottville, NY office.
The WNY Solutions for Farming and Food Access (WNYSFFA) Educator is responsible for delivery of educational programming to expand programs such as coordination of programs for farmer/producer training, nutrition education, coordination of food preservation activities, serve as point person for food systems education farm to school and farm-to-market support to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices. Work will be conducted within the WNY region including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, and Orleans counties.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Health Education and/or Public Health. Associate’s Degree plus 2 years transferrable program/functional experience may substitute.
• Experience relevant to the role of the position.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Proficiency with virtual communication platforms such as zoom or Microsoft teams.
• 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 provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organization.
• Ability to effectively participate in professional team efforts.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place and ability to utilize program resources within the community.
• Familiarity with purchasing and preparing foods, utilizing business expense accounts and pragmatic use of resources.
• Familiarity with reviewing and following recipes and assure compliance to federal and state guidelines.
• Ability to present effective and relevant educational lessons to target audiences (one-on-one and group).
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Program Delivery - 75%
• Deliver high quality, innovative, multi-county educational programs and events to expand evidence-based programs that directly impact both food security and food-based economies such as new farmer training programs; educational programs focused on nutrition specifically targeting rural community residents and SNAP recipients; food systems/processing education initiatives; and food preservation education programs.
• Assist in multi-association team efforts through joint delivery programs and activities aimed at increasing awareness of and access to food system services including mobile markets, Healthy Corner Store initiatives, farmers markets, and local food guides.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for staff, volunteers, participants, community organizations, partner agencies, general public and other professionals working within the county and the region.
• Assist with developing effective working relationships with community leaders via attendance at various community/regional events, farmers markets, visits to agricultural spaces and farms, and engagement with local and state government entities.
• 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%
• Implement program evaluation as designed.
• Interact with constituents to obtain and collect evaluation data for programs.
• Assist in the process of analyzing collected program data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure, and methods.
• Assist with making recommendations for improvement/changes to strengthen and improve programmatic offerings.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings to constituents as appropriate.
Administrative Direction - 5%
• Provide input in planning the structure of delivering educational programming.
• Assist with identifying activities and resources necessary for delivery of initiatives and projects.
• Assist in establishing and building coordinated partnerships among farmers, food businesses, health systems, schools, municipalities, and community organizations.
• Assist with engaging constituents to build awareness of, and connection to, available food system services.
• 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.
Administrative Management - 5%
• Assist with administrative and program management activities, as assigned.
• Assist in solving problems and resolving conflicts that arise from programs, utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.
• Assist with identifying activities and resources needed to carry out program priorities and goals in consultation and collaboration with supervisor, advisory committees, staff, agency partners, and other key community constituents.
• Assist with effectively managing, implementing, and allocating financial resources to accomplish program objective in compliance with funding requirements, grant specifications, and adherence to association strategies/plans of work.
• Assist Supervisor in the implementation of communication strategies.
Administrative Coordination/Operation - 5%
• Assist in coordinating program implementation, planning, and activities efforts.
• Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the program including, but not limited to: preparing correspondence, maintaining files, maintaining participant records, etc.
• Coordinate, compile, and organize existing program resources and program materials.
• Attend community events, school events, faith-based community events, farmers markets etc. for promotion of programming regionally.
• Actively participate in meetings, trainings and conference calls as required or as needed.
• Assist in utilizing effective marketing strategies in the promotion of programming efforts to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, multi-media efforts, and the environmental change initiative in collaboration with other nutritionists.
• Provide required financial information to Supervisor to meet the grant and budget requirements.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to facilitate continued programming efforts.
• 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