Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Outreach Specialist - Ithaca, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Outreach Specialist will work under the supervision of the Clean Energy Communities Project Manager and assist in developing and delivering programming focused on climate adaptation, mitigation and resiliency for municipal audiences. Work includes educating municipal staff, elected officials, and residents on issues related to climate change adaptation and resiliency as well as actions they can take within New York State's Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program. With oversight and direction from their supervisor, the Specialist will serve as a subject matter resource and partner with community groups and task forces established by municipalities to assist in the creation and implementation of natural resource inventories, fleet inventories, climate vulnerability assessments, greenhouse gas inventories and other aspects of the CSC program. The Specialist will assist the Clean Energy Communities Project Manager to identify opportunities to promote education on climate adaptation and resiliency for residents, businesses, and municipalities.

The Specialist will work as a member of multiple project teams working on climate adaptation, resilience and energy issues. Project teams consist of internal and external partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with 2 years of transferrable relevant experience, in community development, city and regional planning, natural resources, environmental science, sustainability, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software including use of the Internet, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with co-workers, advisors, community members and project partners.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organize, implement, teach, and evaluate informal educational programs.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual channels using traditional educational tools and methods.
• Ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with the immediate supervisor.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours which occasionally includes evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge or interest in climate change mitigation and adaptation and science communication
• Experience working with New York State's Climate Smart Communities Program
• Experience working with and/or managing volunteers.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
Program Responsibilities:

Program Development -15%

• Assist with development of education programming to meet identified needs within the county and meet grant requirements.
• Assist with development of outreach programs that incorporate behavior change theories.
• Assist with development and design of program materials.
• Assist with program development that considers the needs of diverse audiences.
• Assist supervisor to incorporate evaluation results to improve programs
• Assist with identifying and obtaining resources necessary to implement initiatives and projects.
• Assist supervisor to seek and incorporate input from project partners.
• Assist supervisor to utilize identified research in outreach efforts.
• Assist supervisor and project team in determining how visualizations of data can be used as a teaching tool.

Program Delivery -55%

• Teach educational programs as designed by project team and Supervisor
• Adapt existing educational programs and materials to meet the needs of diverse audiences.
• Utilize a variety of educational methods which may include direct teaching, group experiences, media, newsletters, electronic technology, internet, and distance learning to promote and deliver program.
• Serve as subject matter resource to connect staff and clientele, including agencies, consumers, and other groups (as identified) with relevant environmental resources. An example of serving as a subject matter resource would be providing guidance to municipalities in making decisions on light design and add-on control technology that is suitable for the respective municipalities.
• Assist other CCE-Tompkins staff and project partners in creating lesson plans and website resources using developed materials.
• Create educational materials from existing resources, including clarifying objectives, prioritizing and drafting content.
• In collaboration with project partners, conduct outreach and volunteer training, particularly with the Climate Stewards program.

Program Evaluation - 5%

• Assist with evaluation design and data gathering/reporting - to measure project success, partner/user perspectives and opportunities to improve
• As directed by Supervisor and project team leaders, interact with program participants, the community, Cornell faculty, and staff to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
• Interpret evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
• Assist supervisor to recommend program changes based on evaluations to strengthen and improve programs.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 5%

• Assist with creation of marketing strategies to reach target audiences and meet program needs.
• As a team member assist with setting program direction, prioritizing outreach venues.
• Assist supervisor in developing recruitment strategies to recruit volunteers to participate in the Climate Stewards program

Management -10%

• Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the association and is research based.
• Recruit, train, supervise and support interns including matching tasks to the individuals, providing informal feedback, problem-solving and regular communication.
• Provide support to assigned staff in understanding and complying with established program goals and priorities.
• With assistance from program partners, oversee and manage volunteers by providing them the tools necessary to succeed as they work with municipal officials and municipal advisory boards to provide environmental education.
• Supervise interns doing data collection and conduct quality assurance as needed.

Coordination/Operation - 5%

• Prepare materials for grant and contract proposal submission.
• Provide information as requested to assist with preparation of reports, impact statements, and success stories on program progress and accomplishments for funders, advisory committees, board and others as necessary.
• Customize data collection protocols and collect data alongside interns.
• Report to municipalities and program partners on work completed.
• Set up tracking systems, spreadsheets and processes, for program reporting.
• Read, understand and summarize research identified by project team.
• Collect necessary information to be included in program materials and content.

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.

• Appreciate and embrace diversity in all interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to diverse audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Tompkins 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 part time, 30 hours per week, non-exempt, benefits eligible position. Compensation paid at the rate of $18.00-$20.00 per hour, 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 Group Universal 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 Tompkins 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 March 11, 2021. 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. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Cornell Cooperative Extension Administrative Systems at 607-255-6120, or via email at: [email protected]

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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.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.