4-H Extension Agent

About the role

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is seeking a 4-H Extension Agent based out of Monroe County, AL. Applicants must be self-directed and capable of thriving in a flexible work environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve under the supervision of the County Extension Director, providing programmatic leadership and program delivery to build life skills in Alabama youth.
• Develop leadership and engagement skills to grow and sustain the county 4-H program in five areas of excellence: forming a unified county 4-H team and program, utilizing consistent research-based curriculum resources, diversifying delivery modes tailored to today’s youth, promoting plan-of-work development and teamwork at all levels, and aligning staff and position assignments to support program resources and delivery modes.
• Diversify program delivery by learning new programs, resources, and skills offered by Program Priority Team (PPT), professional organizations, and networks in the key 4-H program subject areas: animals and agriculture, creative arts, environmental education, healthy living, leadership and citizenship, outdoor education, and science and technology.
• Stay current on demographic and socioeconomic change to include diverse voices in program prioritization and planning, and a commitment to developing and delivering inclusive and targeted programming.
• Outdoor work will be required at times. May be asked to work with or in proximity to animals, water, sporting equipment, plants, and wildlife.
• Provide leadership, direction, organization, and implementation of a broad-based county in-school and community 4-H program.
• Provide experiential learning opportunities for youth through teaching and mentoring to improve knowledge, develop leadership skills and abilities, gain independence, and engage in personal growth and development in preparing for a positive role in society.
• Develop an annual county 4-H strategic plan that includes a youth demographic report, determines delivery mode application, and sets goals.
• Implement and enforce all Auburn University Risk Management requirements and policies designed to help keep our youth safe.
• Prepare evaluation summaries and success stories of delivered educational programs focused on short, intermediate, and long-term outcomes and impacts.
• Develop a communication plan to reach 4-H members and their families using all forms of traditional and social media to disseminate information and market programs and maintain a professional presence in major forms of media.
• Provide leadership and/or assist with county, regional, state, and national events as necessary, including required annual assignments to 4-H statewide events and 4-H summer camp.
• Cooperate with and inform County Extension Directors, State Extension Specialists, and appropriate Assistant Director for Programs and Assistant Director for Field Operations on 4-H programs, resources, protocols, and policies and have a positive working relationship with colleagues and clients in region and PPT.
• Lead and coordinate for 4-H volunteer development, including recruitment, orientation, and specialized training in conjunction with Auburn University Risk Management for Youth.
• Manage and secure fiscal resources (contracts, grants, fees, donations, sponsorships) to support local and priority programs and initiatives within county, and may also assist with securing resources for multi-county, state, and national level events.
• Build capacity of volunteers and partners in technical areas to strengthen programming through training.

Requirements

• Level 1: Bachelor’s degree and 0 years of experience.
• Level 2: Bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience OR Master’s degree and 2 years of experience.
• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience OR Master’s degree and 6 years of experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience OR Master’s degree and 10 years of experience.
• Focus of Education: Discipline related to extension programming.
• Focus of Experience: Experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs in a relevant discipline, including formal and/or informal teaching methods.

Qualifications

• Contract Type: Continuing

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Work/life balance: 4 weeks of vacation accrued each year, 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually, 7 paid holidays in addition to 2 weeks of paid leave during Christmas/New Years when the University closes, 6 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child (available for BOTH moms & dads).
• Tuition assistance for you and your dependents after a year of service.
• A generous state retirement plan along with other voluntary retirement plan options and benefits.
• A fun, flexible, and diverse work environment.
• Fun, flexible & diverse work environment. Every day is different!
• Supportive leadership & peers.

Pay

Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Hours may vary, including potential night and weekend opportunities.