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

Gastonia, NC

About the role

The 4-H Agent provides leadership for the overall 4-H Youth program, planning, implementing, and evaluating initiatives for youth ages 5 to 19. In this role, the agent establishes and maintains traditional 4-H clubs, school enrichment, summer camps, and after-school programs that engage youth in positive life-skill development.

The position will be responsible for working with adult volunteers to design, develop, implement, and evaluate programs that meet the needs and interests of youth ages 5-19 to engage them in positive, informal life-skill development activities using a variety of educational methods such as organized 4-H clubs, school enrichment, 4-H summer programs, and after-school programs. This position also recruits, evaluates, trains, and coordinates adult and teen volunteers.

In addition, this position will supervise the overall 4-H program, including establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs within Gaston County, recruiting and training present and potential volunteers, managing clubs and special programs, and identifying resources to assist in conducting the 4-H program. Responsibilities will include supervision of program staff and management of programs funded through grants and fees.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens. The primary function of the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Gaston County Center is to translate research-based knowledge into practical, real-world solutions that improve the lives, land, and economy of local residents.

Operating as a partnership between federal (USDA), state, and Gaston County governments, the Extension serves as the county’s educational outreach hub. It delivers non-formal education and technical assistance across four core areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Commercial Horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Consumer Horticulture and Natural Resources.

Situated just west of Charlotte, Gaston County blends rapidly growing suburban communities with deeply rooted rural and agricultural traditions. This creates a high demand for programming that spans traditional livestock and equine clubs alongside contemporary STEM, healthy living, and career-readiness initiatives. Natural assets like Crowders Mountain State Park and the Catawba and South Fork rivers offer rich local resources for hands-on environmental science, conservation, and outdoor leadership projects. Strong existing pathways with Gaston County Schools open immediate doors for expanding high-impact school enrichment programs—such as embryology and financial literacy—to a wide variety of youth populations.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow the 4-H Youth Development program through clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment programs, Super Summer, summer day camps, and traditional 4-H camps.
• Seek out sponsorships, grants, and other funding sources to support activities and programs.
• Ensure the 4-H program is accessible to youth across the county.
• Develop and maintain 4-H clubs, special interest youth programs, and school enrichment programs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers as well as evaluate and report impacts of program efforts.
• Focus on developing digital skills and environmental and animal science skills in county youth.
• Support the total Extension program as a member of the Gaston County Extension staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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.
  • Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.
• Experience working with various audiences.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities.
• Ability to work proficiently on an individual basis but also be an effective leader and team member.
• Strong social skills to communicate effectively.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the developmental needs of children ages 5-19.
• Experience in grant writing and management.
• Background in digital skills and environmental and animal science.
• Volunteer recruitment and development experience.
• Program development skills.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Tuition waiver for university coursework
• Free attendance at non-revenue-generating sporting events
• Childcare discounts
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs

Perks and benefit eligibility are based on part-time or full-time employment status.

Pay

• Minimum Bachelor's: $40,000
• Minimum Master's: $45,000
• Minimum Doctorate: $50,000

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, evenings and weekends as required. 40 hours per week.