Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Horticulture

City Harvest’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program   New York, NY 10018

Job Description

Job Title:                     Senior Manager – Community Programs

Department:                Program Development

Reports to:                  Director, Program Development and Policy

Supervises:                 Community Organizer(s), temporary staff as appropriate

 

Summary:        Oversee and further develop City Harvest’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program.  This Program’s projects support the organization’s mission to end hunger, promote community food security and improve nutritional health in New York City’s low-income neighborhoods.

 

Key Responsibilities:

·               Provide management and direction for City Harvest’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program to ensure sustained access to fresh produce and other nutrient rich food, and to catalyze improvement of community food systems and nutritional health.

-          Manage staff and relationships with community partnerships to ensure implementation of project plan.

-          Work with other City Harvest project managers regularly to integrate programmatic components and enhance project effectiveness. 

-          Keep abreast of changing demographics, food systems, client/community issues, and trends necessary for ongoing support of the target populations and geographic areas.

-          Foster local organizational networks which promote food security and improves health at project sites.

-          Help to leverage in external public and private resources to advance beneficial changes in the local food system in project communities.

-          Monitor and evaluate project activities, deliverables and budget. Provide reports as required on the achievement of project targets in coordination with project partners and the community.

·               Identify and further leverage potential community and organizational partnerships for other NYC neighborhoods. Assist in the design, development and oversight of future community-based programs and projects with such partners to improve food systems, change behaviors, and foster healthy food environments in economically depressed communities.

·               Provide technical assistance to Project Managers, especially to improve the project design, establish effective linkages with external partners, and identify and utilize other resources needed to effectively implement and improve the quality and scale of their projects.

·               Assist the Director, Program Development in the overall program design process, and in the gathering of information and resources needed to expand the scale and effectiveness of this City Harvest Program.

·               Help establish an information base of documentation on current community food security research and programming options to assist the overall department in its program development work.

·               Represent City Harvest at external meetings (local governmental/non-governmental agency, community and private sector events) related to the program

·               Assist External Relations staff in fundraising and marketing and public information events related to the program

·               Other tasks as required.

 

Requirements:

·               Education:            Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required. Master’s degree in relevant field desirable. Additional training in community food security and/or nutrition, capacity-building desirable.

·               Experience           Minimum of five years of related field experience.  Experience in community organizing and building strong community ties, food/nutrition and community food security and nutrition issues helpful.  Knowledge of NYC food and nutrition initiatives, organizations, and nonprofit network preferred. 

·               Licenses:             Valid New York State driver’s license

·               Languages:          Fluent English required (Spanish desirable), oral and written

·               Travel:                 Frequent travel to NYC boroughs; occasional evening meetings and overnight conferences. Willingness to work flexible schedule

·               Physical:  Not applicable

·               Computer Skills                Microsoft Office required. Skills in mapping software, demographics and basic Internet research highly desirable.

·               Critical Skills:       Strong project management background, excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Strong customer service focus.  Facilitation, training and leadership development skills essential.

 

Please send resume and cover letter to Kate MacKenzie.

 

_______________________

Kate MacKenzie, MS, RD

Director, Program Development and Policy

City Harvest, Inc.

575 Eighth Ave, 4th Flr.

New York, NY 10018

P: 917-351-8751

F: 917-351-8723

www.cityharvest.org

WHY (World Hunger Year)

505 Eighth Avenue, Suite 2100
New York, NY 10018

is a leading advocate for innovative, community-based solutions to hunger and poverty. WHY challenges society to confront these problems by advancing models that create self-reliance, economic justice, and equal access to nutritious and affordable food.

The Capacity Building Coordinator would be responsible for working with grassroots organizations from around the country who are interested in integrating Community Food Security (community gardens/farms, farmers’ markets, etc.) approaches into their current work. The coordinator would also help write various capacity building resources, help plan public events, perform project evaluation and follow up, conduct national site visits and contribute to general programmatic work. This is a unique position that requires someone with strong people-skills, motivation and creative thinking.  For more information contact RIA@whyhunger.org

 

Extension Associate
Extension Associate-08956

Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences seeks a full time Senior Project Associate to serve half-time as Assistant Coordinator of the Agricultural Sciences Major in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and half-time as a Program Services Specialist for the Agricultural Outreach and Education (AO&E) Program in the Department of Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coordinate the Agricultural Sciences major: (50%)

• Provide coordination and support for a multi-department, multi-disciplinary faculty advisory committee that provides leadership and direction of the Agricultural Science major.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of new courses as part of the overall program curriculum.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of a senior-level experiential learning based capstone course.
• Assist in coordinating Agricultural Service major Seminar Series held each semester
• Manage the student internship program providing a wide range of agricultural opportunities for students both in the U.S. and abroad
• Communicate with prospective students, including phone/email correspondence and planning of outreach activities and campus visits.
• Assist with student and club advising.
• Organize orientation and team building activities for Ag Science students.
• Interpret program policies for students and faculty.

Program Services Specialist for Agriculture Outreach and Education (AO&E) (50%)

• Organize and manage a stakeholder committee of secondary level agriculture teachers and others to plan and set priorities for recruiting new and returning agriculture teachers.
• Prepare and implement a coordinated recruiting campaign for teachers of agricultural sciences involving appropriate stakeholders and current students.
• Develop a comprehensive public relations program for programs supported by AO&E
• Prepare and coordinate the operation of program displays at appropriate venues including Empire Farm Days, the NYS Farm Show, State Fair, NYSFFA Convention, and others.
• Prepare and manage web sites for groups served by AO&E.

This is a 1-year term position with renewal contingent on funding.

Qualifications

• Required: Master’s degree in the agricultural sciences, or equivalent; effective oral and written communications skills; ability to design and manage web sites; ability to prepare and communicate effective public relations information; ability to travel within New York State for recruiting and public relations activities.
• Preferred: Ability and experience with curriculum design, teaching, and academic program coordination in the agricultural or environmental sciences.

Applicants should submit a cover letter; curriculum vitae; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: Toni DiTommaso, Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, 903 Bradfield Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Located in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University is a bold, innovative and inclusive teaching and research university of academic distinction and public service where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to be active citizens of the world.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Send this job description to a friend by email. All the relevant details are included in this message.

William G. Camp, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Agricultural Science Education
416 Kennedy Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Voice: (607) 255-9269, Fax: (607) 255-7905, Cell: (607) 351-3484, E-mail: wgc4@cornell.edu

FINGER LAKES LAND TRUST
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT: DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP

The Finger Lakes Land Trust, a regional non-profit land conservation organization, is seeking a full-time Director of Stewardship to work from its Ithaca, New York office. The Land Trust works cooperatively with landowners and local communities to conserve those lands that define the character of the Finger Lakes Region. Since it was founded in 1989, the organization has conserved 10,000 acres through the use of conservation easements, the establishment of nature preserves, and the provision of assistance to local governments.

The Director of Stewardship will lead a team of volunteers, staff, and contractors to provide for the effective management of a growing network of Land Trust protected lands including nature preserves, conservation easements, and public lands in which the organization holds a legal interest. The position requires frequent travel throughout a 12-county region and calls for a flexible work schedule.

Responsibilities: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Stewardship is responsible for overall management and coordination of the Land Trust’s stewardship programs. Responsibilities include:

1) Preserve Management: Oversee network of 26 conservation areas and nature preserves; coordinate and train volunteer stewards; work together with volunteers, contractors and staff to provide for public access where appropriate; implement invasive plant control efforts and other habitat management strategies; and conduct outreach to neighboring landowners and local officials.

2) Conservation Easement Monitoring & Baseline Documentation: Provide for systematic monitoring of a growing number of conservation easement properties presently 58; train volunteer stewards to conduct monitoring visits; complete conservation easement baseline documentation files while also supervising contractors to produce same.
3) Other Land Protection and Stewardship Activities: Assist with other land protection and stewardship activities as needed including but not limited to inspection of lands to be acquired, and representing the Land Trust at meetings relating to local and regional conservation initiatives.
4) Outreach and Fundraising: Support Land Trust’s fundraising efforts by preparing funding proposals for stewardship programs, and meeting with donors as needed.
5) Management & Administration: Supervise contractors, volunteers, and interns. Oversee management of data files relating to conservation easement monitoring and preserve stewardship programs.

Finger Lakes Land Trust
Position Announcement Director of Stewardship
Page Two

Qualifications:

· Successful work experience involving the management of natural areas and the stewardship of conservation easements

· Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or related field; Master’s degree preferred
· Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work independently while also operating as part of a team
· Ability to work with diverse partners and constituents
· Strong organizational and computer skills
· Willingness to travel and work flexible hours
· A strong commitment to land conservation

Contact: Send resume, three references, and cover letter to Abbey Chernela, Office Manager, Finger Lakes Land Trust, 202 East Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 or by e-mail to abbey@fllt.org

Horticultural Specialist, Plant Information Service,
(Part-time, 25hrs/week)

PURPOSE: The Plant Information Service answers more than 30,000 garden related questions each year through a walk-up window, phone hotline, website, and e-mail. Working with 100 Master Gardener volunteers, the Horticultural Specialist strives to ensure all technical horticultural information being disseminated to Chicago Botanic Garden members, staff, the general public, and horticulture professionals is accurate and provided in a professional and courteous manner.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Assist in providing technical information to all clients and serve as the primary professional staff to support to Master Gardeners’ requiring additional information to answer client questions.

2. Train and provide orientation to the resources in the Plant Information Service for Master Gardener volunteers.

3. Oversee work schedules for Plant Information Master Gardener volunteers ensuring all shifts are fully staffed.

4. Collaborate with library staff on information resources and management of the Plant Information book and journal collection.

5. Maintain Plant Information Service resources, equipment, and inventories of office supplies.

6. Staff off-site Garden sponsored events as required.

7. Attend quarterly Plant Information Council Advisory meetings, create monthly reports, statistics, newsletters, and schedules.

8. Work with the other Plant Information Service Horticultural Specialists to create new office procedures and strategies to enhance the mission of Plant Information Service.

DEPARTMENT: Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden

REPORTS TO: Director, Library

SUPERVISES: Master Gardener volunteers

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIPS: All areas of the Chicago Botanic Garden as necessary, and University of Illinois Cooperative Extension.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Degree in horticulture, plant science, soil science, forestry or similar subject and previous work experience in a public garden, horticulture industry, library reference desk, customer service, or work with volunteers. Excellent oral and written communication skills required as well as expertise with computers including Microsoft office products and Internet searching. The work schedule is 25 hours per week, including one weekend day from April – October. Start date is July 21, 2008.

Chicago Botanic Garden website

Extension Associate - 08340 (please refer to this job number, 08340, when applying or searching Jobs at Cornell web site: http://www.ohr.cornell.edu/jobs/

Description

The Department of Crop and Soil Sciences seeks an Extension Associate to collaborate with Cornell Waste Management Institute Director and staff to develop and coordinate a new outreach initiative intended to improve the quality of garden produce grown in urban environments. Specifically, the individual will organize and direct soil and crop sampling and test for contaminants in urban community gardens, particularly heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Work with urban outreach coordinators and residents to adopt soil and crop management approaches that limit dietary exposure to these contaminants. Plan outreach activities in New York City, including gardener meetings, workshops, and demonstrations, and develop and maintain a Website related to the extension/outreach activities and outcomes.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in a discipline related to Agricultural Science, Soil Science or Environmental Science. Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written, are essential. Must be able to work independently, and should be proficient with computer programs needed for effective written, graphical and web-based communication. Applicants should submit a cover letter; curriculum vitae; and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to: Murray McBride, Department of Crop & Soil Sciences, 910 Bradfield Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.

Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a bold, innovative and inclusive teaching and research university of academic distinction and public service where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to be active citizens of the world.

Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Cornell University is extending the search for a senior person to assume responsibility for supervision of both the state’s Agricultural Education and Agriculture in the Classroom programs and staffs. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader with solid people skills, management experience, and experience with and interest in both classroom teaching in agriculture and agricultural literacy. The position announcement is included below and is also available on this Cornell web site.

The rank of Senior Extension Associate at Cornell University is a non-tenure accruing position but is eligible for a multi-year, renewable employment contract. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled but will be reviewed beginning March 26. The new Director can begin work as soon as he or she is available, preferably no later than July 1 of this year.

Along with a letter of application and curriculum vitae or resume, applicants should provide a list of at least 3 references including positions, addresses, telephone, and e-mail contact information. Letters of recommendation are NOT required.

Please feel free to distribute this to anyone you think might be interested in this opportunity. Feel free to contact me for more information on the position.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Clinton County in Plattsburgh, NY seeks an enthusiastic and creative horticulture educator to conduct educational programs for home and market gardeners via workshops, media, writing and personal contacts. Also coordinate Master Gardener volunteers; supervisor is Amy Ivy.
Bachelors degree in horticulture or related field and 1 year experience required, also basic knowledge and experience in gardening and strong interpersonal and writing skills. Excellent benefits, EOE.

For full details see: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/clinton/

Virginia Cooperative Extension is seeking to fill our Ag agent position ASAP. Advertising dollars are in short supply, so I am asking your help in networking with Master Gardeners and their acquaintances, or other contacts you may have elsewhere in the horticulture world.. Do you have a listserv by which you could distribute the following announcement? Your help would be greatly appreciated. This particular position is responsible for the Master Gardener Program in Roanoke.

Employment Opportunities Available with Virginia Cooperative Extension

The following localities have Associate Extension Agent positions available: Roanoke, Alleghany County & Bath County

Associate Extension Agents are professional faculty who has area responsibilities in their program specialty. They must be able to determine program needs of their audiences and design educational programs to address those needs. They will deliver programs to a targeted audience, evaluate and report the results.

The following position is open:

Assoc. Ext. Agent, ANR – Posting #071024 - Roanoke

This position will specialize in Horticulture, working closely with community leaders, Extension Leadership Councils, and with the Greenhouse and Nursery Industry to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities. The agent will deliver programs and provide research-based information to their targeted audiences.

For qualifications and specific details and/or to apply, visit: www.jobs.vt.edu and search on the posting for which you wish to apply. Parties interested in the Roanoke location should contact Leslie Prillaman at 540/772-7524 or lesliep@vt.edu prior to submitting application, to ensure proper routing. EO/AA Employer

The Cleveland Botanical Garden (www.cbgarden.org) is a national leader in urban horticulture and environmental education. The mission is to cultivate appreciation and knowledge of plants ­ their beauty, diversity, and support of the living world ­ so vibrant green communities in our region will flourish and sustain life.
The Garden seeks a Director of Education to create and direct innovative and far-reaching education initiatives that advance institutional goals. The position reports to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for all of the Garden’s education initiatives. The selected candidate must be a creative, dynamic, innovative, self-directed leader who will be passionate about the educational mission of Cleveland Botanical Garden. This position has significant administrative responsibility, including managing a departmental budget of $775,000. The Director of Education will play an important role in developing the Garden’s interpretive master plan as well as the institution’s next strategic planning process (2008).

For complete details, write to Jennie Dawes at jennie@hcsmith.com or call (800) 442-7583 to request a complete Position Announcement.