Park Assistant - Otisville, NY

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County Education and 4-H Park Assistant is primarily responsible for assisting the supervisor and staff to provide maintenance support at the Education Center & 4-H park, located at 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, NY. The individual will be supervised by the Education Center & 4-H Park Facilities Manager and operates in collaboration with the Park Coordinator responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the Park Facilities. This position will also provide maintenance support for the Association main office located at 18 Seward Ave, Middletown, up to five times per week as needed.

    

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 2 years’ experience in a related field.
• Valid NYS driver's license and the ability to meet the travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and weekends, as appropriate.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including, but not limited to, bending, lifting, sitting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, and digging
• Lifting of 50 or more pounds, frequently.
• Hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and a normal range of eyesight and hearing required to communicate with staff and manipulate equipment.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in the fields during duration of employment.
• Function as a team member working with volunteers and staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Perform minor mechanical and maintenance repairs.
• Knowledge of operating Park maintenance equipment.
• Ability to relate to diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively through oral, written, and visual means.
• Knowledge of light plumbing and electrical skills.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Coordination/Operations - 95%

• Support construction and improvement projects under the direction of the Education Center & 4-H Park Facilities Manager, including digging/filling holes, laying piping, installing fixtures, and moving    materials.
• Maintain the grounds, buildings, and facilities in a clean, safe, attractive, and orderly condition.
• Perform routine cleaning of all assigned areas, including barns, bathrooms, buildings, common spaces, and the office located at 18 Seward Ave, Middletown (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, sanitizing, and   window washing).
• Collect and dispose of trash/litter; empty and clean garbage receptacles; monitor grounds for debris.
• Replenish and maintain paper goods, cleaning supplies, and dispensers as needed.
• Assist with general maintenance and repairs, including painting, basic carpentry, changing light bulbs, minor fixture installation, and upkeep of water systems/foundations.
• Maintain landscaping and outdoor areas, including mowing lawns, weed whacking, trimming bushes, clearing trees, weeding gardens, raking leaves/soil, planting, and snow removal.
• Safely operate and maintain equipment such as mowers, tractors, weed whackers, and leaf blowers.
• Assist with event and program operations, including set-up, breakdown, and moving/arranging furniture and equipment.
• Support fair preparation and cleanup; availability is required during the fair period (typically the last weekend in July), including the week before and after.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and ensure tools are in proper working condition.
• Travel between work locations in association vehicles or personal vehicle to perform job tasks at each location, often daily. 

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 in programming and association priorities.
• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs 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 with and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, and local regulations, Association health and safety policies, procedures, requirements, and standards, including all warning and recommendation labels on chemicals and equipment.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

EEO/EPO and Policy - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Maintain respectful and professional interactions with clientele, staff, volunteers and the public.
• Assist the Cornell Cooperative Extension system in reaching out to various audiences.
• Aware of, and adheres to, established Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Orange 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 full time, 40 hours per week, benefits eligible, non-exempt position. Compensation paid at the rate of $21.11 per hour.  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 Orange 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 June 4, 2026. 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. For additional questions or if you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact Leah Cadwallader, Regional Human Resources Manager, e-mail [email protected] or (845) 340-3990x314.

  

Job Title:

Association Custodian

Level:

007

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Leah Cadwallader

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.