Cornell Cooperative Extension

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Beginner Farmer Educator - Liberty, NY

New York State (Other) · Full-time

H1B sponsorship availableDetected 13 days ago
LogisticsHRHRISResearchCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingMentoringMicrosoft OfficeFood SafetyAgronomy

About the role

  • Program areas include farm business and production fundamentals, workforce development, regulatory and farm and food safety education, marketing and distribution, and access to land, capital, and markets.
  • The Beginner Farmer Educator is responsible for matching farm mentors with beginner farmer mentees based on experience, production focus, capacity, and goals, and for facilitating effective mentor-mentee relationships.
  • include coordinating meetings and check-ins, supporting goal-setting and problem-solving, monitoring engagement and progress, and addressing challenges that may arise within mentor-mentee partnerships.

Responsibilities

  • The Beginner Farmer Educator also plans, implements and manages the CCE Sullivan Beginner Farmer Mentorship Program.
  • This includes recruitment, coordination, supervision, and support of volunteer farm mentors; development and delivery of mentor and mentee orientation and training; and establishment of clear expectations, communication protocols, and program guidelines.
  • Support community and advisory involvement in program planning.
  • Deliver existing curricula and adapt teaching methods for adult learners.
  • Use evaluation results to document outcomes and improve programs.
  • Plan and manage beginner farmer programs in alignment with the Association's Plan of Work.
  • Coordinate with staff, volunteers, and partners to deliver programs.
  • Develop and implement program communication and outreach efforts.
  • Provide guidance and support to volunteers and staff involved in the program.
  • Manage program budgets, expenses, and financial reporting.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree and four years' transferable relevant evidence-based research experience.
  • Ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and communicate effectively with external stakeholders and colleagues.
  • Basic proficiency with modern electronic technology and software, including computers, video and audio tools, Microsoft Office applications, social media, and internet‑ and database‑based systems.
  • Knowledge of diverse audiences, including at‑risk populations, and local communities.
  • Ability to identify and utilize program and community resources.
  • Valid New York State driver's license and ability to meet travel requirements using personal and association vehicles.
  • Ability to meet acceptable background check standards, including DMV and criminal history checks.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and/or weekends as required.

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with beginner farmer programming and experience working with new or beginning farmers.
  • Experience with grant‑funded programming, including data collection, outcome tracking, evaluation, and reporting to funders.
  • Experience supporting applied research or program evaluation activities in alignment with program goals or grant deliverables.
  • Experience using databases, spreadsheets, or evaluation tools to monitor participation and program outcomes.
  • /Essential Functions:
  • Program Responsibilities:
  • Program Development - 10%
  • Identify needs of beginning farmers through feedback, data, and advisory input.

Compensation

  • Develop and follow an annual professional development plan with supervisor.

Benefits

  • Develop and deliver educational programs related to beginning farmer needs such as workshops, trainings, courses and learning sessions related to beginning farmer needs.
  • Vacation, Sick and Personal time
  • NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
  • NYS Retirement
  • Long-term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Voluntary Group Universal Life Insurance

Company info

  • Contract College Contact Name:
  • Leah Cadwallader
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.
  • Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies.
  • This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and no

Visa & Work Authorization

  • No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

This listing is sourced directly from Cornell Cooperative Extension's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.