Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

Joe; Garden City (KS); On-site; USD 46,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

Vacation and sick leave

Tuition assistance for employees and dependents

Job summary

Joe is seeking an Extension Agent to lead the West Plains District 4-H Youth Development program. This role emphasizes empowering youth through connection and leadership opportunities. The position requires a Bachelor's degree, with preferred experience in education and youth development.

Salary ranges from $46,000 to $70,000, offering comprehensive benefits including health insurance and professional development training. Candidates will work onsite in Garden City, KS, and must be available for regular travel across the service area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience in delivering information and education to groups.
• Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the 4-H youth development program.
• Identify local needs and emerging issues for program development.
• Collaborate with local partners and manage volunteers.

Skills

Communication (English and Spanish)

Leadership

Group facilitation

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Job Overview

This agent will lead the West Plains District 4-H Youth Development program to empower youth through connection, learning and leadership opportunities.

Search Details

• K-State Career # 521648
• Search will remain open until filled
• Anticipated hiring salary: $46,000–$70,000

Position Details

• Service Area: West Plains District (Finney and Scott counties)
• Office Location: Garden City, KS
• Title: Extension Agent
• Primary Programming Responsibility: 4‑H Youth Development

About This Role

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4‑H youth development program for school‑aged youth in cooperation with local community members and extension colleagues. The primary focus of this position is youth development, along with adult volunteer development; youth education program development; membership growth and participation; and community partnership expansion. Programming will include but is not limited to: community club support, out‑of‑school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K‑State Extension’s five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow’s leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the K‑State Next‑Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community‑based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
    Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Youth Development Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the West Plains District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district‑wide programming and related events.

About Us

K‑State Extension connects Kansans to research‑based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K‑State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k‑state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

4‑H provides school‑aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research‑based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4‑H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4‑H at atkansas4‑h.org.

West Plains Extension District consists of Finney and Scott counties in western Kansas. This area is progressive and offers many amenities, making it a great place to live. When fully staffed, the district’s team consists of five extension agents and two office professionals, who serve the district’s combined population of 41,900. Responsibility for the district’s 4‑H program is shared with another agent. West Plains District’s 4‑H program is 300 members strong and has great potential to keep growing.

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of West Plains District. The West Plains Extension District has offices in Garden City and Scott City. This agent’s primary office will be in Garden City, KS.

Work for this position is on site in the Finney County Extension office and at locations throughout the district.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., education, child development, volunteer management).
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or evidence of progressively responsible professional roles).
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.
• Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.

Licenses and certifications:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

Additional expectations:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree.
• Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

Skills and attributes:

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish‑speaking learners.

Salary, Benefits and Professional Development

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant. The anticipated hiring salary range is $46,000–$70,000.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of benefits on the K‑State Employee Benefits website.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in‑person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full‑time employees and their spouse/dependents.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K‑State’s background check policy.

Relocation to Kansas

Kansas participates in MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating you can visit the site and apply online for the program incentives.

Travel Requirements

Work for this position will require regular travel throughout the service area. It will also entail occasional overnight travel.
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.