PowerHouse Educator - Ithaca, NY

The PowerHouse Educator conducts public outreach and conveys information about clean energy and healthy homes in a variety of venues in Tompkins County and surrounding counties; helps develop and deliver educational workshops on clean energy and climate-related topics, provides personalized advising around clean energy and healthy home programs and helps knit together our programming as part of a just, inclusive climate transition including utilizing the tiny home PowerHouse as an educational avenue. Specifically, the Educator will:
• Conduct outreach connecting residents with information and resources to help them with their energy needs. In these situations, respond to questions and informally provide information, as well as advising on energy programs and incentives. The educator will also provide Healthy Homes resources on topics such as indoor air quality, induction stoves, radon, lead, asbestos and mold. This person will build relationships and work collaboratively with community partners to ensure the logistical success of the outreach and educational programming.
• Use the tiny home PowerHouse and existing curricula and materials, to engage students and adults in energy- and climate-change-related education in schools, libraries, and other community venues. The Educator will adapt existing curricula and develop new curricula when appropriate. The Educator will build and manage relationships with community partners, provide information for generating invoices and receipts for fee-for-service work.
• Manage the use of the tiny home for outreach and education in Tompkins County and surrounding counties in the region, in collaboration with the Regional Clean Energy Hub and CCEC Energy & Climate Change teams. This includes scheduling the use of the PowerHouse for educational programming, coordinating the transportation of the PowerHouse to all events, working with licensed professional towers, , maintaining the PowerHouse, including regular cleaning, annual inspection, and occasional painting and repairs and training other staff in safely and effectively using the PowerHouse as an educational medium.

The position requires a high degree of independent judgment, adaptability, and an ability to learn from experience and enhance programming. This person works under the Southern Tier Regional Clean Energy Hub Director to implement programs, supervise volunteers and interns and possibly one educator, and attend meetings as relevant to the position. This person also serves as a member of the CCETC Energy & Climate Change Team and develops working relationships with other staff working at CCETC.

    

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree with experience relevant to the position. Bachelor’s Degree plus 2 years transferrable relevant experience may substitute.
• Ability to clearly communicate (speak, read and write proficiently) in English.
• Ability and willingness to build relationships, and work with, diverse audiences in diverse settings and maintain cultural sensitivity.
• High level of organizational skills.
• Experience with computer software for written documents and spreadsheets, as well as e-mail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and tactfully through verbal, written and electronic methods.
• Ability and willingness to work with a high degree of integrity, accuracy, organization, sound professional judgment, and the ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.
• Ability to organize, manage, and prioritize multiple tasks, deadlines, requirements, and priorities to complete work in a timely manner and within established deadlines.
• Ability to work creatively in an environment with a degree of ambiguity, and adapt to changing circumstances
• Ability to reflect on experience, derive insights, and refine program based on a process of action-reflection
• Ability to recruit, train, oversee, and support large numbers of diverse volunteers.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License and the ability and willingness 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience establishing and working with community stakeholders, especially those with limited income.
• Experience developing relationships, and working with, organizations in the Tompkins County region
• Experience working as a volunteer or overseeing volunteers
• Experience with updating websites and graphic design.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize personal work responsibilities according to priorities developed with immediate supervisor.
• Energy-related job experience.
• Familiarity with the community in which the work will take place and ability to utilize program resources within the community.
• Foreign language fluency, especially Spanish and Mandarin.
• Experience with home maintenance and repairs.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development - 15%

• Under the direction and programmatic oversight of the supervisor, assist in the development of innovative energy-related programming, strategies and tools to meet identified short- and long-term needs and goals and diverse interests of participants. This includes enhancing fee-for-service programming for schools and other venues.
• Assist in research, identification, and/or selection of existing program resources necessary to implement energy-related programming, including printed brochures and handouts, and web-based resources
• Assist in structuring programs to meet the needs of diverse program participants.
• Assist supervisor in making programmatic changes based on program evaluation outcomes and to meet changing local and/or statewide priorities or needs.
• Assist supervisor to develop Cornell linkages for program development guidance.

Program Delivery - 45%

• Utilize existing program materials and educational framework for energy program delivery.
• Use the “Powerhouse” Tiny Home to deliver high quality energy programs to diverse audiences.
• May be involved in team efforts within the Association or regionally to deliver programming.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource in the area of clean energy, induction cooking and healthy home programs to staff, other educators, participants, community organizations and the general public.
• Represent CCE before the public, participants, community leaders, government officials, Cornell or other land grant universities in a professional manner in functions related to programming.
• Train volunteers to deliver clean energy programming using the PowerHouse.
• Market success stories as part of program delivery and outreach efforts and/or work with communications staff to develop stories that highlight program successes.
• Collaborate with key community partners and Cornell as relevant to program implementation

Program Evaluation - 10%

• Interact with program participants and collaborators, volunteers, Association staff, and other key stakeholders to collect evaluation data for improving programs.
• Assist Supervisor with analyzing and interpreting evaluation data for reporting and program improvement purposes using standard, established policy, procedure and methods.
• Assist with recommending program changes to strengthen and improve programs.
• Communicate evaluation results and findings.
• Implement program evaluation as designed.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction - 10%

• Provide moderately complex administrative tasks to support the planning of clean energy programming to include, but not limited to planning the delivery of established educational program goals and planning the structure of delivering educational programs via various methods.
• Assist in identifying community and fiscal resources for program continuance and enhancement.
• Assist Supervisor with development of grant applications to secure funding for ongoing/expanded programming efforts.
• Provide supervisor with program related information to assist the budget development process.
• Assist with development and planning of marketing strategies and promotion to reach target audiences and meet program objectives through public relation initiatives and networking/collaborating with government, economic, educational and community organizations.
• Assist Supervisor in identifying staff development/training needs and planning staff development strategies.
• Assist in developing communication strategies for the PowerHouse program.

Management - 5%

• Assist Supervisor by performing administrative tasks in guiding the implementation of the program budget (e.g., track expenses, provide support for purchasing).
• Work with supervisor to monitor monthly budget statements and ensure spending stays within the allocated budget and grant and association specifications
• Assist in identifying and recommending program needs (e.g., program supplies and materials).
• Assist Supervisor with the implementation in the county or across the region of marketing initiatives including social media and mass media.
• Supervise and provide guidance to staff and volunteers, including coaching, supporting, and providing feedback to enable educators to achieve program objectives and meet the needs of constituents.
• Recruit, train, oversee and support program volunteers to ensure program needs are met, and that they follow established policies and procedures including for recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation and management.
• Assist in monitoring program to ensure that educational content conforms to policies and objectives of the Association and is research based.
• Assist with identifying ways to reduce costs and maximize existing resources within the Association. 
• Make recommendations to Supervisor regarding program budgetary needs.
• Solve problems and resolve conflicts that arise within the program utilizing appropriate policies and procedures and with Supervisor guidance as needed.
• Write success stories for use in marketing and reporting of the program.

Coordination/Operation - 10%

• Coordinate volunteer enrollment and reporting process and work with the team to ensure all volunteer files, paperwork, and communication has been completed in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Organize and coordinate activities related to PowerHouse outreach and education programming and events.
• With the approval of the Supervisor, purchase materials relevant to the functioning of the program in keeping with needs and Association policies.
• Organize, coordinate, and facilitate the work of volunteers in implementing educational events related to established program priorities.
• Organize and coordinate teaching materials necessary for PowerHouse energy education programs applying existing subject matter knowledge, including the use of mobile teaching exhibits
• Coordinate identified administrative aspects of the initiatives including, but not limited to: preparing correspondence, maintaining files, maintaining participant records, etc. ensuring confidentiality of all information.
• Assist in the coordination of effective marketing and communication strategies in the promotion of clean energy programs to include, but not limited to: print media, news media, social media, and multi-media efforts.
• Update and maintain the tiny PowerHouse website as a means of communication about the program and activities, as well as relevant page on the CCETC website.
• Coordinate, compile and organize existing program resources and program materials.
• Maintain records, perform data management and complete program reports as required by the Association in accordance with established policies and procedures as well as in compliance with grant/contract requirements.
• Track program participation.
• Collaborate with community agencies as requested or required to facilitate programming, special events, and activities.
• Possibly represent the association on statewide Program Work Teams to ensure connections that will enable increased capabilities to address local and regional efforts and priorities.
• Coordinate and assist with special projects and outreach efforts as required by Supervisor.
• With the support of the Supervisor, develop evaluation materials.
• Collect evaluation data and program needs assessments from program participants using evaluation materials and guidelines.
• Maintain highest degree of confidentiality of information, participant information and data collected.
• Submit accurate program related expense and mileage reports in a timely manner as required.
• Effectively maintain existing professional relationships with other agencies, organizations and businesses that promote effective communication and facilitate continued programming efforts.
• Provide moderately complex administrative tasks to support the delivery of established program goals.
• Complete necessary written documentation as required by program and funder, and prepare reports to share with supervisor, and others.
• This position may require the transport of program participants and/or program materials and resources in performing position responsibilities.
• Assist supervisor to prepare annual reports to document program impacts including: projects implemented, workshops held, volunteer numbers and hours, written and oral reports and slide shows of results tracking info as required for reporting to CCE, campus and funders.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and Association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar 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.

This is a Full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Compensation starting at the rate of $25.00 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 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 26, 2025. 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 CCE Tompkins HR at tompkins-hr@cornell.edu. 

For additional questions please contact CCE Tompkins HR at Tompkins-HR@cornell.edu.

  

Job Title:

Association Subject Educator II

Level:

003

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Sherrhonda Daniels

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.