Extension Agent, 4-H

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.

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.

The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Avery 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 Extension 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 that 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.

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. Four-H offers programming to youth 5 - 18 years of age in STEM, Civic Engagement, Camping, Public Speaking, Clubs, and much more.

Duties and Responsibilities
The Extension 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 that 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.

Other Work/Responsibilities
- 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.

- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

- Ability to work and interact with, and have respect for diverse populations.

- Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.

- Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office).

- Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

- Ability to travel and work after-hours and weekends as needed (may be seasonally extensive).

- Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain working relationships.

- Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training and youth programs.

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. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the County Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The County Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University. The County Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating that phase of county Extension programs within assigned areas of program responsibility. The County Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in the 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 the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

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

- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

- Ability to work and interact with, and have respect for diverse populations.

- Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.

- Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office).

- Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

- Ability to travel and work after-hours and weekends as needed (may be seasonallyextensive).

- Ability to network with community partners and agencies and maintain workingrelationships.

- Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed fortraining and youth programs.

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 planning programs.

- 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.

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.

NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.

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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