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Jobs
All applications for regular employment with Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County and other county extension associations must be submitted through the Cornell University Employment system (see information at left). Instructions for applying to temporary positions will be provided in the position announcement. We do post available job and internship opportunities on this page when they become available, with links to the Cornell website, for your convenience.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
Open Positions
Agriculture & Horticulture Issue Leader
CCE Tompkins County is looking for our next Agriculture & Horticulture (Ag-Hort) Issue Leader. If you have the knowledge and experience to lead a team focused on supporting Tompkins County’s farmers, gardeners, and program partners and volunteers — this might be the opportunity for you!
Management of the Ag-Hort team will include administrative direction of programs and CCE staff, responsibility for securing funds and managing resources, and accountability and transparency within the program and across the county Extension association. A Program Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors will provide support and guidance, and the Issue Leader will serve as a member of the CCE Tompkins Leadership Team, strategizing around shared goals.
The Ag-Hort Issue Leader will also work with others at the university, county, state, and regional level across different sectors to address high priority issues that relate to agriculture and horticulture.
The successful candidate will be a community-minded leader who thrives in an environment where building and supporting a strong, resilient farming community is top of mind. They will lead and guide a team that develops and delivers programs and information on topics such as local food systems, agriculture & the environment (climate smart agriculture, carbon farming, water issues, and more), farmland protection, composting, home and community gardening, agrivoltaics, and on-farm energy efficiency.
- This is a full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible position. Hiring rate begins at $72,000+, based on experience.
- Master's degree in Agricultural related field and at least 4 years related experience in program development, delivery, and management required. A relevant PhD may substitute for two years’ experience.
- Other qualifications include a broad understanding of regional, statewide and/or national agricultural issues and initiatives; experience in facilitating community engaged processes, building consensus, and achieving results; significant grant writing and grant management experience; and ability to provide supervision and guidance to staff and volunteers.
- The position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.
Primitive Pursuits Program Coordinator
The Primitive Pursuits Program Coordinator serves as a member of the 4-H Primitive Pursuits team, assisting with planning, development, implementation and evaluation of the afterschool, homeschool and school enrichment programs. The coordinator will be responsible for developing, delivering, and promoting programs that meet the objectives of Tompkins County 4-H Youth Development and of Primitive Pursuits. Candidate should have a background in nature/environmental education and outdoor survival skills.
- This is a part time, 30 hours per week, benefits eligible position. Compensation paid at the rate of $20 per hour, based on experience.
- Master’s degree with experience relevant to the role of the position OR bachelor’s degree plus 4 years transferrable experience required.
- Qualifications include ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position; ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings and/or weekends; ability to transport/move supplies and equipment with or without accommodation; strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to work effectively with schools, community, and funding partners; and ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
EFNEP Nutrition Educator
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Nutrition Educator for CCE Tompkins will implement public education to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among families and individuals with limited resources, encompassing all age groups throughout Tompkins County. This includes presenting lessons that focus on general nutrition, food preparation, food safety, and food budgeting. Nutrition education may take place at county agencies, participant homes, or through virtual education.
- This is a full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible position. Compensation starts at $20 per hour, based on experience.
- Associate degree or equivalent education (GED/High School Diploma and 1 year transferrable/program experience) as well as experience relevant to the position required.
- Other qualifications include ability and comfort in purchasing and preparing foods and reviewing and following recipes; willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity; ability to present effective and relevant educational lessons; and proficiency with Windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite.
- EFNEP is currently rewriting its training program to align with new federal dietary guidelines. We will accept applications again beginning June 1.
- Contact Nutrition Program Director Craig Livermore with any questions: cl2742@cornell.edu.
Primitive Pursuits Extended Day Camp Coordinator
This role will oversee the campers and staff of the Extended Day program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers and staff who remain onsite after the Day Camp Program ends. This person will oversee a small team of staff who will work together to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
- This temporary position will require 10-20 hours 6/15-19; 40 hours per week 6/22-27; and 20 hours per week 6/29-9/11.
- Compensation $19 per hour.
- Qualifications include RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp; 1+ years’ experience in an administrative OR supervisory role (does not have to be in a camp setting); 2+ years' experience working with children ages 5-12 directly in an outdoor setting; ability to work 2 pm-6 pm Monday-Friday for most of the camp season; and ability to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day.
Primitive Pursuits Extended Day Camp Instructor
The Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will oversee and supervise campers enrolled in the Extended Day Program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers who remain onsite after the Day Camp program ends. They will work within a small team to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
- This temporary position will require 40 hours per week 6/22-26; and 20 hours per week 6/29-9/4.
- Compensation $18 per hour.
- Qualifications include experience as a wilderness instructor/camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting OR working with youth ages 6-16 in an out-of-school or classroom setting; a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world; RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp; and previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills.
Primitive Pursuits Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor
A Lead Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits; bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Lead Wilderness Instructor is to design and implement the flow of the week centered on instructing and assisting youth on outdoor and naturalist skills. Lead Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment.
- This temporary position will be 40 hours per week 6/15 through 9/4.
- Compensation $18.50-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience.
- Qualifications include RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp; 2+ years’ experience as a naturalist/wilderness instructor OR camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting; 1+ year experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members in problem solving, organization, and day-to-day coordination; and experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-16.
Primitive Pursuits Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
A Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits: bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Wilderness Instructor is to assist and instruct youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment.
- This temporary position will be 40 hours per week 6/22 through 9/4.
- Compensation $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience.
- Qualifications include experience as a wilderness instructor/camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting OR working with youth ages 6-16 in a classroom or out-of-school setting; ability to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day; a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world; and Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills.
Learn more about Primitive Pursuits opportunities at PrimitivePursuits.com/Seasonal-Employment.
Internship Opportunities
See current internship opportunities at CCETompkins.org/Internships.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws.
Last updated June 9, 2026
Campus & NYS CCE Jobs
CCE employment opportunities are available throughout New York State and on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, New York.
External applicants visit CCE Careers to search current opportunities. (See Applying for a job: external candidates for additional instructions).
Internal applicants apply via Workday under the Career, Talent & Performance section.
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.
Questions? Email the recruiter listed on the job posting or email us at:
Work for Primitive Pursuits!
With an exceptional core of seasoned year-round staff, low instructor to student ratios and a supportive environment, a job with Primitive Pursuits offers many opportunities to grow and master valuable skills. All summer staff are eligible for discounts on summer camp for immediate family members!
We also have many exciting volunteer opportunities for friends of all ages and skill levels. With the help of volunteers like you we can help kids and adults create lifelong relationships with nature.
Visit primitivepursuits.com/get-involved/volunteer for more info.