4-H STEAM Extension Program Worker

Position Summary

In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs. Unit Position Summary Michigan State University Extension Is Committed To Fostering a Welcoming And Collaborative Environment, Which Requires All Staff To Contribute Toward a Vision For Success Regardless Of Title Or Position Within The Organization. We Strive To Create a Positive Culture, Access To Resources, And a Sense Of Belonging For Staff, Partners, And Programming Participants. This Means That All Staff At MSU Extension Are Dedicated To The Following We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities. We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.

About the Role

Provide direct instruction and leadership for Hillsdale County 4-H STEAM Programs serving youth in middle school during the school year (September through May).

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate educational lessons and activities
• Prepare materials and supplies
• Maintain attendance and program records
• Support positive youth-adult partnerships
• Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants
• Use the 4-H "learn by doing" approach to help youth build confidence, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Encourage youth leadership, decision-making, and active participation through age-appropriate opportunities for youth voice and choice
• Prepare for and deliver lessons using established 4-H STEAM curriculum, maintain attendance and evaluation records, conduct program follow-up activities, and assist with reporting requirements associated with the Hillsdale County Community Foundation grant
• Support volunteer involvement, communicate with school personnel and families, promote participation in additional 4-H opportunities, and assist youth in exploring continued engagement through local 4-H clubs, camps, and county-wide activities
• Assist in ensuring 4-H programs are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for youth of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences
• Participate in periodic meetings with Michigan State University Extension staff and Hillsdale County Community Foundation representatives to share program updates, outcomes, and impact data

Qualifications

• Experience teaching, mentoring, coaching, or leading educational programs for youth
• Ability to engage youth of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities in hands-on learning experiences
• Understanding of positive youth development principles and youth-centered teaching practices
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with MSU Extension staff, schools, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience with 4-H Youth Development, afterschool programming, education, recreation, camp programs, childcare, or other youth-serving organizations preferred
• Experience facilitating STEAM or experiential learning activities preferred
• Experience collecting attendance, evaluation, or program outcome data preferred
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across 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/communities representative of the communities we serve
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience teaching, mentoring, coaching, or leading educational programs for youth
• Ability to engage youth of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities in hands-on learning experiences
• Understanding of positive youth development principles and youth-centered teaching practices
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with MSU Extension staff, schools, volunteers, and community partners
• Experience with 4-H Youth Development, afterschool programming, education, recreation, camp programs, childcare, or other youth-serving organizations preferred
• Experience facilitating STEAM or experiential learning activities preferred
• Experience collecting attendance, evaluation, or program outcome data preferred
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across 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/communities representative of the communities we serve
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.)

Benefits

Participation in periodic meetings with Michigan State University Extension staff and Hillsdale County Community Foundation representatives may be required to share program updates, outcomes, and impact data.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5