4-H Ag Education Assistant / Extension Program Worker

About the Role

In alignment with the mission, programs, and initiatives of MSU Extension, this position delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs. The role focuses on fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, ensuring accessibility, and promoting continuous learning to meet the evolving needs of Michigan communities.

This position provides hands-on educational opportunities for youth related to agriculture, improving agriculture literacy, awareness, knowledge, and appreciation among K-12 students. The role primarily uses the National Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum (including lesson plans and resources) and delivers programs in Wayne County, including Detroit. Responsibilities include initiating outreach to unreached audiences through in-school, after-school, and short-term/special interest programming.

As a member of the Wayne County MSU Extension 4-H team, you will conduct direct programming with youth (ages 5–19), encourage participation in activities, and interact effectively with children while displaying initiative and resourcefulness in promoting interest in a variety of activities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver hands-on educational programs for youth related to agriculture using the National Agriculture in the Classroom curriculum.
• Improve agriculture literacy, awareness, knowledge, and appreciation among K-12 students.
• Initiate and conduct programming in Wayne County, including Detroit, through in-school, after-school, and short-term/special interest formats.
• Engage directly with youth (ages 5–19) to encourage participation in activities and promote interest in diverse programs.
• Ensure the safety of children, visitors, and co-workers during programming.
• Facilitate setup, breakdown, check-ins, on-site presence, and other duties or projects as assigned by the supervisor.
• Establish and maintain a network of constituents and community members across diverse backgrounds.
• Implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards in all programming.
• Travel locally and occasionally long-distance as required for the position.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Experience working with youth and/or volunteering.
• Experience with agriculture is a plus.
• Ability to establish and work with a network of constituents and community members across diverse backgrounds, including race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences representative of the communities served.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc., up to 25 lbs.
• Sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques reflecting an understanding of social, cultural, and economic diversity.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, and distance technology).

Schedule

On-call work hours as required by the position.