Senior Natural Resource Educator - East Meadow, NY

This position will serve as the Senior Natural Resources Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Nassau County and under the leadership and oversight of the Natural Resources Team Leader. This position will provide development, evaluation, management, coordination and implementation for Natural Resources programming, resources, and activities related to climate adaptation and resiliency. The Senior Natural Resources Educator will serve as a lead professional in the development and delivery of educational and technical assistance programs that support municipalities in planning for climate change adaptation and resilience. This role will focus heavily on the application of climate change modeling and scenario planning to inform local decision-making and community preparedness. Working collaboratively with local governments, regional partners, and cross-disciplinary teams, the Senior Natural Resources Educator will assist in the creation and implementation of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Plans (CCARPs). The position will serve as a subject matter resource in climate science, coastal ecosystems, clean energy transitions, land conservation, and nature-based solutions and green infrastructure.

Key responsibilities include translating community demographic and climate data into accessible, actionable insights; facilitating scenario planning workshops; and supporting municipal leaders in identifying strategies to mitigate risk and enhance community resilience. The Educator will also lead public outreach and training efforts, develop educational materials, and maintain up-to-date knowledge on state and federal climate policies, tools, and resources.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Science, Sustainability, or closely related field in Natural Resources.
• 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.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four (4) years volunteer or work experience in climate change planning, sustainability, urban and community forestry, water quality, land-use planning, and/or community engagement.
• Experience with GIS software.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize program resources within the general community.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, teach and evaluate informal educational programs through a variety of delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to organize reference materials for programming purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral, written and visual means.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize computer technologies for educational and communication purposes.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote office location if needed.
• Ability to lift 20-50 pounds.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Assessment and Development - 30%

• Apply Natural Resources subject matter information and knowledge to identify gaps and trends in the community.
• Develop and execute community needs assessment.
• Analyze Natural Resources Program needs.
• Make recommendations for Natural Resources programmatic offerings, enhancements and/or improvements as appropriate.
• Maintain direct linkage with Cornell University faculty and staff for the purpose of program assessment guidance.
• Ensure Natural Resources Program assessment is within the scope of the statewide Plan of Work and fulfillment of any funding or contractual obligations.
• May assist in multi-Association team efforts to assess programs.
• Apply Natural Resources subject matter knowledge to develop innovative educational programming and strategies.
• Research, identify and select existing resources for program use.
• Create program materials to address clients’ needs.
• Structure Natural Resources Programs to meet the diverse needs of the community and program participants.
• Interpret both Association and University program direction to create educational programs.
• Develop Extension/Cornell University faculty connections for guidance with program development.
• May be involved in assisting with multi-disciplinary and multi-Association team efforts in developing programs to address priority issues in Natural Resources.
• Develop programming to meet