Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
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Primary Purpose of Position

The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders in performing assigned responsibilities. The performance of assigned responsibilities is governed by the philosophy, objectives, policies, and procedures of North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The individual in the position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school-based 4-H programs.
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Primary Function of Organizational Unit

NC Cooperative Extension is the educational outreach arm of the North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, in collaboration with NC A&T State University. The two Land-Grant institutions provide research-based information, programming and technical assistance to all North Carolina citizens, addressing a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas - Agriculture & Natural Resources; Family & Consumer Sciences; Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development. Together, with its partners: U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, Cooperative Extension is able to bring a wide variety of resources to all 100 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

North Carolina 4-H is North Carolina Cooperative Extension's youth development arm and as such is the largest professional youth development organization in North Carolina, serving more than 250,000 youth annually. Nationally, 4-H impacts more than six-million youth across all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. NC State 4-H agents that have reached the level of Associate Agent, hold the rank of Field Faculty. 4-H offers programming to youth 5 - 18 years of age in STEM, Civic Engagement, Camping, Public Speaking, Clubs, and much more.

Orange County is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina in the North Central Extension District. For more information about Orange County, visit the County website at https://www.orangecountync.gov/ and the Cooperative Extension website at orange.ces.ncsu.edu.

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Duties and Responsibilities

The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Orange County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional youth development program, meeting the relevant needs of all youth, ages 5 through 18. These programs will engage youth in positive life-skill development activities to address issues of everyday life, enhance the community and environment where they live, and give them access to high-quality, experiential programming to build life skills.

The 4-H Agent shall:

1. Be responsible for assuring that the principles of positive youth development are being utilized across the program to help youth identify and develop their passion and life skills. This includes but is not limited to assuring that qualified adult leadership is present at each 4-H activity, meeting, and event; that appropriate curriculum is being used to enhance the educational experience; that programs are being evaluated appropriately and that program impacts are identified and reported.

2. Be responsible for forming relationships in the county that lead to recruiting, training, managing, and rewarding the volunteer leaders who will guide 4-H clubs, assist with the planning and coordination of events and activities, and generally support and promote the 4-H agent and program.

3. Raise funds in support of youth participation in local, district, state, and national events and activities. Fundraising in support of volunteer development and management is also expected.

4. Manage a county-wide 4-H advisory council that will help identify programmatic needs, support programmatic efforts, and champion 4-H in the local community. This council should consist of 4-H alumni, volunteer leaders, 4-H youth, and county leaders who represent the business, social, and demographic metrics of the county.

5. Develop a marketing/recruiting program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to drive inclusivity and desired programmatic impact.

6. Be responsible for program administration: maintaining accurate records, assuring that the program is in compliance with local, state and national regulations - to include but not be limited to the NC State University Programming with Minors regulations, general financial management and county 4-H club accounts, charters, as well as USDA- NIFA and IRS compliance.

A key responsibility of this position is managing a diverse group of volunteers who may be considerably more experienced than the agent.

The ability to raise funds and manage finances for the overall county 4-H program and to oversee the integrity of all 4-H related accounts in the agent's area of responsibility is important.

Agents have the opportunity to provide leadership at the district, state and national levels through the North Carolina Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

One of the following educational requirements: - A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor's degree. - A Bachelor's degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master's degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or - Completion of a Master's degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in a field related to child or youth development or in a related field with work experience in Extension or working/teaching in diverse communities, with an understanding that a Master's degree will be pursued.

Master's degree from an accredited university in a field related to child and youth development, education, or a combination of education and work that would prepare someone for this role.

Experience developing and/or managing community gardens for youth programming.

Experience planning programs and working in diverse communities, including in urban.

Experience working effectively as a team member.

Experience and knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.

Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.

Ability to recruit, train, and supervise volunteer leaders to extend youth programming to the broadest audience possible.

Experience writing grants in support of programs.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

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