Garden Educator and Maintenance Position

Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties (CCESO) in order to build relationships with community audiences and to integrate local experience and research-based knowledge in the area of horticulture, home gardening, food security, and environmental stewardship, in 2023 built a 12-bed demonstration garden for community garden programs, garden education, and demonstration of gardening techniques.

The Garden Educator and Maintenance Position will work alongside Master Gardener Volunteers to assist with the garden related programs and gardening maintenance for 10 hours per week from May to October. This parttime, temporary and seasonal position will work from and report to the Horticulture and Natural Resources Educator at our Cooperstown, NY location.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assist Master Gardener Volunteer with implementing planting plans and maintenance.
• Perform gardening duties including weeding, digging, pruning, planting, sweeping paths, cleaning, general repairs and ad hoc duties as assigned.
• Help maintain the gardens and grounds in good condition together with various displays of plants.
• Assist with planning and development of garden and grounds.
• Coordinate schedule of volunteer workdays.
• Coordinate training and supervision of new volunteers.
• Coordinate garden educational programs and events.

Training and Support:

• Orientation to CCE, CCESO and the MGV Program.
• Continuing education opportunities, field trips, and workshops.

Time Commitment:

• 10 - 12 hours a week.
• $20 - $22 per hour based on skills and experience.

Qualification:

• Basic interest in and knowledge about ornamental horticulture, flora, and food gardening.
• Experience working with volunteers and consensus building.
• Passion for acquiring, sharing, and teaching horticultural knowledge and skills.
• Willingness to help meet the goals of CCESO MGV Program.

Benefits:

• Participation and access to training programs in all aspects of basic horticulture.
• Satisfaction of serving one’s community through the educational mission of CCE.
• Interaction with people with shared interests in community horticulture and home gardening.
• Deeper understanding of the horticulture, the allied sciences, and the art of gardening.

To Apply:

Click here for application. Submit application and cover letter to Mayra Richter, Finance and Human Resources Manager, via email: mer333@cornell.edu 

Last updated April 11, 2025