4-H Food Systems Educator - Buffalo, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County has an opening for a full-time 4-H Food Systems Educator working from the Buffalo, NY office. Expected employment through June 2026.

The Educator will serve as a member of the 4-H Youth Development team to assist with delivery and evaluation of the 4-H Youth Development Program with the goal of promoting thriving in young people ages 5-18 in Erie County, with primary focus on food systems education.

Educator will be responsible for coordinating and delivering program objectives and plans in 4-H Youth Development, in both school classroom and afterschool settings. Food systems education includes teaching about: production, processing, distribution, retail, consumption, and disposal. Additional key program subject areas include: youth leadership development, civic engagement, life skills, and workforce preparation.

    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
•    Bachelor’s degree or Equivalent Education. (Associate Degree plus 2 years transferrable relevant evidence-­based research experience may substitute).
•    Experience relevant to the role of the position. 
•    Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position. 
•    Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
•    Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read, and write proficiently) in English.
•    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 initiate, plan, organize, implement, and evaluate informal educational programs.
•    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 relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community, and professional leaders.
•    Proficiency with windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
•    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: 
•    Coursework in Education, Agriculture, and/or Human/Youth Development.
•    Experience with Cooperative Extension or other similar educational organizations.
•    Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with advisory boards and committees, community, and funding partners.
•    Ability to identify and utilize program resources from the organization and the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
Program Delivery - 75%
•    Deliver high quality 4-H Youth Development educational programs and events that address local, regional, and statewide 4-H Youth Development programming priorities with emphasis on agriculture and food systems education in addition to leadership; civic engagement; life skills and workforce preparation; and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
•    Occasionally apply existing subject matter knowledge to create lessons plans to deliver educational program. 
•    Utilize a variety of educational methods, primarily in classroom and afterschool program settings, which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver program.
•    Assist with implementation and leadership of youth summer program providing daily activities and events. 
•    Serve as subject matter resource.
•    Collaborate with community agencies as requested or required to deliver program  activities.
•    Interact with program participants, parents, and volunteers, representing CCE in a professional manner at all times. Present as a positive role model for youth 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%
•    Implement program evaluation as designed.
•    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 reporti