H Green Teen Educator - Beacon, NY

Position: 4-H Green Teen Educator - Beacon, NY
Location: New York

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County 4-H Green Teen Educator works under the supervision of the Green Teen Program Manager to deliver educational programs that provide life and work skills and related education to targeted youth with the focus on the food systems and gardening. Primary program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, gardening, recruitment of participants and delivering educational programs.

The Educator also coordinates and facilitates operations as well as assists with the Green Teen Program evaluations.
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* Required Qualifications:

*** Associates Degree and two years paid or volunteer experience.  GED/High School Diploma and three years transferrable program experience is acceptable.
* Strong interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills;
* Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and database management;
* Must be committed to creating and maintaining an environment that fosters positive youth development;
* Must enjoy working in agricultural settings and be physically capable of doing frequent/daily manual labor. May be working in challenging weather conditions,
** including but not limited to direct sunlight, extreme heat, humidity, rain, exposure to insects, etc.;
*** Ability to complete project reports and keep accurate physical and digital records;
* Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences,
** including individuals of varied ages and backgrounds,
** and maintain cultural sensitivity;
* Ability to meet frequent (potentially daily – depending on the season) travel requirements associated with this position. A valid NYS driver's license with the ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage and to transport youth are required;
* Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work as part of a team;
* Ability to work flexible hours including nights and/or weekends.
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* Preferred Qualifications:

*** A general knowledge of youth education using positive youth development strategies;
* Previous experience working in youth development programs;
* Conflict resolution skills;
* Previous experience in an agricultural setting, or related industry with retail experience;
* Ability to speak Spanish.
*** Responsibilities/

Essential Functions:

***** Program Responsibilities:
**** Program Delivery - 75%
*** Assist in presenting workshops related to but not limited to the food systems and customer service lessons for mobile/farmers’ market;
* Teaching the existing educational program as defined. This includes teaching workshops on workplace safety, gardening and farming techniques and relevant vocational skills;
* Assist with teaching innovative educational programs with supervision. May assist in creation of new workshops and/or materials as necessary;
* Help foster acceptance of program, methods and policies to address community and individual needs and consider diverse audiences;
* Actively interact with program participants on a daily basis when programing is in session;
* Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies to keep the program fresh and relevant;
* As part of program delivery, serve as mentor and provide guidance for program participants by engaging them in work projects, team building and skill-related workshops.
** Additionally, remaining alert to opportunities to independently provide guidance and support to youth;
*** As part of program delivery, work with Green Teens to provide for the day-to-day maintenance of the garden to include, but not limited to, watering, weeding, planting, harvesting and the maintenance of gardening tools and equipment;
* Based on experiences providing education to youth, the position may provide leadership to youth and volunteers. May provide feedback to youth on performance as part of program delivery.
** Program Evaluation - 5%
*** Assist in gathering data and helping Program Coordinator evaluate the program’s market and youth outcomes;
* Assist in the evaluation and determining the effectiveness of the Green Teen Program by weekly or monthly review of records that document attendance, behavior/attitude change and progress toward meeting program goals.
** Administrative…