Horticulture & Environment Educator - Elmsford, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County Horticulture and Environment Educator serves as a member of the Horticulture and Environment team to carry out implementation of the Association’s commercial green industry and consumer horticulture and environment program that addresses local, regional and statewide programming priorities and needs including pest management.

This position is also responsible for evaluating the program as well as implementing program delivery which might include using volunteers in the community to conduct workshops and other educational activities. This is a public facing educator position with significant interaction with both the professional members of the horticulture industry as well as community members.

The educator must be able to teach and respect a wide variety of audiences: green industry professionals, volunteers, residents, local community members, and official government representatives. Communications skills and comfort with all different constituents is vital. The program varies during the year depending on seasonal program needs, requiring the educator to be flexible to meet these needs. This position works independently under the general supervision of the Horticulture Program Manager.

Represents the Association and the program to the public, community leaders, government officials, the media, and Cornell University, as needed and directed. This position may work with Master Gardener Volunteers as well as other volunteers. This is an in-office, or in the field, position, not available for remote work.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Environmental Science or related field.

One year volunteer or related work experience.

Experience relevant to the role of the position.

Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

Ability to meet motor vehicle standards.

Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate.

Ability to analyze issues and to initiate, plan, organize, implement & evaluate informal educational programs addressing diverse audiences in assigned areas.

Ability to utilize computer technology to author reports and proposals, communicate internally and externally, prepare visuals, access information and learn and teach.

Ability and knowledge in the science of horticulture and integrated pest management.

Demonstrated ability to interact productively and respectfully with a wide variety of audiences reflective of the Westchester community.

Demonstrated laboratory analysis skills either academically or work-related situation.

Demonstrated ability to research and diagnose horticultural or pest management problems.

Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, advisors, community and professional leaders, and clientele groups.

Ability to utilize resources effectively.

Ability to identify and utilize program resources within the community.

Ability to effectively use a variety of program delivery methods to reach individuals and groups.

Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional educational tools as well as electronic technology (e.g., video, audio, computers, etc.).

Ability to lift, move or transport supplies, tables, meeting materials and equipment, and climb stairs with or without reasonable accommodation.

Ability to lift 15 pounds.

Ability to work in outdoor or agricultural settings, perform site visits and be physically capable of negotiating uneven terrain, gathering samples and possible manual labor as part of research and diagnosis. May be working in challenging weather conditions.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Program Responsibilities: Program Delivery - 90%
• Deliver high quality educational programs and events for the commercial green industry, consumers, and Master Gardener Volunteers that address local, regional and statewide programming priorities and needs.
• Assist in teaching innovative educational programs and events to diverse audiences.
• Foster acceptance of horticultural and pest management best practices based on pre-existing materials from university/extension research, to address community and individual needs.
• Utilize a variety of delivery systems, including written articles, newsletters, demonstration projects, special events, tours, volunteers, media, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to deliver programs.
• Apply subject matter knowledge to create lesson plans to deliver educational programs.
• Serve as horticulture and gardening subject matter resource; identify plants and pests from samples submitted.
• Provide information and answers to community and commercial questions based on subject matter knowledge and available resources.  Respond to consumer and commercial requests for interpretation of soil test results and give recommendation.
• Deliver horticulture/gardening information in response to inquiries and submissions to Diagnostic Lab or other means, written, electronic or telephone.
• Provide educational program efforts via mass media including contributing articles to newsletters, utilizing emails, phone messages, and website postings.
• Represent the Association to the public, program participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell University, and others in a professional manner at all times.
• Program Evaluation - 5%
• In collaboration with the Horticulture Program Manager, review the evaluations of programs and make recommendations working with the Horticulture Program Manager for strengthening and improving programs.
• Professional Improvement - 5%
• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.
• Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.
• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar with 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.
• EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.
• Maintain professional and respectful interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Westchester County policies, procedures and Cornell Cooperative Extension Skills for Success.
• Contribute to the overall success of the organization by performing all assigned duties in a professional, timely and accurate manner.

This is a full time, benefits eligible, exempt position. Compensation paid at a range of $67,000 to $72,000 per year, commensurate with experience.  Excellent benefits, based on eligibility, including:

• Vacation, Sick and Personal time
• Paid Holidays
• NYS Health Insurance Program (including Dental Insurance)
• NYS Retirement
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Tax Deferred Annuity
• Voluntary Flexible Spending Accounts
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance
• Voluntary Personal Accidental Insurance
• Voluntary Legal Plan Insurance
• Voluntary Long Term Care Insurance
• Voluntary Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Voluntary New York’s College Savings Program
• Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs

How To Apply :  Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Westchester County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .  For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply

All applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, resume and indicate three individuals who may be contacted as a reference .   Please consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know.   Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.

All applications must be received on-line by November 12, 2026. Position closing dates may change based on Association needs.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail LC267@cornell.edu or (845) 340-3990x314.

Job Title:

Association Community Educator Level:

003 Pay Rate Type:

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 not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.