Garden Educator (Temporary)-Herkimer, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension; New York (NY); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel reimbursements

Job summary

Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking a Garden Educator to lead hands-on gardening education sessions at schools, senior housing, libraries and other community venues in Herkimer County. The role focuses on practical gardening skills for participants of all ages and backgrounds and supports community garden efforts.

This on-site, part-time temporary position runs December 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, fourteen hours per week, at $17 per hour, with travel reimbursements and outdoor work

Qualifications

• Experience in gardening education or related field.
• Ability to teach gardening concepts in an accessible way.
• Comfort working with diverse community members and varying gardening experience.
• Willingness to work outdoors during the growing season.
• Ability to lift and transport basic materials and tools.
• Ability to meet travel requirements and pass background checks.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Utilize approved curriculums to carry out lessons as coordinated by program leader.
• Deliver hands-on gardening education sessions at seasonally scheduled community garden sites and other venues as appropriate.
• Teach foundational topics and demonstrate simple, practical gardening activities for participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Support community garden improvements.
• Prepare brief educational handouts or visual aids when appropriate.
• Track attendance and provide brief monthly summaries of activities.

Job description

An excellent opportunity for an individual who is passionate about gardening and enjoys sharing their knowledge through education and community outreach! The Garden Educator will lead engaging, hands-on educational sessions at participating Herkimer County schools, senior housing facilities, public libraries, and other supporting organizations and venues. The educator will support participants in developing practical gardening skills they can apply at home or in shared community spaces.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize approved curriculums to carry out lessons as coordinated by program leader.
• Deliver hands-on gardening education sessions at seasonally scheduled community garden sites and other venues as appropriate.
• Teach foundational topics and demonstrate simple, practical gardening activities for participants of all ages and skill levels.
• Support community garden improvements.
• Prepare brief educational handouts or visual aids when appropriate.
• Track attendance and provide brief monthly summaries of activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in gardening education, horticulture, agriculture, environmental education, or related field with ability to teach gardening concepts in an accessible, engaging, and hands-on way.
• Comfort working with diverse community members, families, youth, and individuals with varying levels of gardening experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work outdoors during the growing season.
• Ability to lift and transport basic materials and tools.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends, as appropriate

Time Commitment and Compensation:

Part-time temporary position from December 1, 2026 through June 30th, 2027 ; fourteen hours per week at $17/hour. This is an on-site position based at the CCE Herkimer office.

• Business travel reimbursed at current IRS rate.

Job Title:

Association Tmp Program

Level:

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Contact Name:

Regina Lowder

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.