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

NC State Extension Forestry; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC State Extension seeks an Extension 4‑H Assistant Agent to lead the Cleveland County 4‑H Youth Development program, shaping curricula and community partnerships. You will work with youth, families, volunteers, schools, and partners to deliver hands‑on learning that builds life skills and leadership, aligning with NC Cooperative Extension priorities.

The role includes creating an annual plan, growing participation, and guiding clubs, camps, and events with strong evaluation and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in youth development, education, agriculture, extension education, or related field with acceptable GPA.
• Master’s degree preferred or pursued with relevant experience in Cooperative Extension, 4‑H, youth development, volunteer management, teaching, or community programming.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the Cleveland County 4‑H Youth Development program.
• Assess local youth needs and develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Develop an annual program plan with measurable goals, outcomes, and impacts.
• Increase participation and expand programming across Cleveland County.
• Recruit, organize, and support 4‑H clubs and volunteers.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Program management

Public speaking

Communication

Volunteer management

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in youth development or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Position Overview

NC State Extension is seeking an Extension 4‑H Assistant Agent to lead the planning, implementation, evaluation, and growth of a comprehensive 4‑H Youth Development program serving Cleveland County.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly with youth, families, volunteers, schools, community organizations, and other partners to create high‑quality educational experiences that help young people develop life skills, build leadership abilities, and explore pathways to future education and careers. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships throughout the community while helping young people discover their potential and prepare for their futures.

The successful candidate will develop a highly visible and relevant county 4‑H program that responds to local needs while supporting the mission and priorities of NC Cooperative Extension and the North Carolina 4‑H Youth Development program.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

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 a 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 or school bell.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our 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 residents.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work‑life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Duties and Responsibilities

4‑H Program Leadership and Development

• Provide overall leadership for the Cleveland County 4‑H Youth Development program
• Assess local youth needs and use research‑based information to develop, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Develop an annual program plan with measurable goals, outcomes, and impacts.
• Maintain a balanced 4‑H program that includes community clubs, school enrichment, special‑interest programs, camps, workshops, competitions, and other youth development opportunities.
• Increase participation in 4‑H and expand programming to reach youth throughout Cleveland County.
• Provide opportunities for youth to participate in district, state, and national 4‑H programs and events.

Educational Programming

• Collaborates with other Extension staff and agency partners to develop and deliver programs that build knowledge and life skills in areas such as:
  • Leadership, citizenship, and community service.
  • Agriculture, animal science, horticulture, and natural resources.
  • Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
  • Healthy living, nutrition, and wellness.
  • Communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
  • Environmental education and outdoor learning.
• Programs should provide hands‑on, experiential learning opportunities that allow youth to learn by doing.

4‑H Clubs and Youth Leadership

• Recruit, organize, and support community‑based and special‑interest 4‑H clubs.
• Encourage youth leadership through club officer positions, county councils, presentations, project work, community service, and other leadership experiences.
• Provide guidance and recognition to youth completing 4‑H projects, record books, and presentations.
• Develop opportunities for older youth to serve as mentors and leaders for younger participants.
• Recruit, screen, train, support, and recognize adult and teen 4‑H volunteers.
• Maintain appropriate member and volunteer records and ensure compliance with NC State University and NC Cooperative Extension policies and procedures.

Program Marketing and Community Visibility

• Maintain a strong public presence for Cleveland County 4‑H.
• Develop effective communication with youth, parents, volunteers, schools, and community partners.
• Promote programs through social media, newsletters, news releases, websites, presentations, community events, and other appropriate channels.
• Represent NC Cooperative Extension and Cleveland County 4‑H at community meetings, events, and partner activities.
• Develop success stories that demonstrate the value and impact of 4‑H programming.
• Prepare required reports for NC Cooperative Extension and Cleveland County Government.
• Communicate program accomplishments and impacts to county leadership, advisory groups, stakeholders, and funding partners.
• Manage program resources (monies, equipment, etc.) responsibly and follow applicable financial and administrative procedures.

Other Work/Responsibilities

• The Extension 4‑H Agent is expected to function as an active member of the Cleveland County Cooperative Extension team.
• The agent will collaborate with Extension professionals in agriculture, horticulture, family and consumer sciences, and community development to provide interdisciplinary programming when appropriate.
• The agent will participate in staff meetings, professional development, Extension committees, community initiatives, and other responsibilities necessary to support an effective county Extension program.
• Some evening and weekend work is required to support 4‑H clubs, camps, competitions, community events, and other youth activities.

Requirements and Preferences

Work Schedule: 8:00 am-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. Nights and weekends as required.

Education

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.

Department Required Skills

A bachelor’s degree in youth development, agricultural education, education, family and consumer sciences, agriculture, Extension education, or a closely related field.

The Successful Candidate Should Demonstrate

• Strong interest in and commitment to positive youth development.
• Strong organizational, time‑management and program‑management skills.
• Ability to recruit, motivate, train, and manage volunteers.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to establish productive relationships with schools, families, community organizations, and local government.
• Creativity and initiative in developing programs that attract and retain youth.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• Ability to use technology and social media effectively for education, communication, and program promotion.
• Ability to evaluate programs and clearly communicate measurable impacts.
• Willingness to maintain a visible presence throughout Cleveland County.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• A master’s degree and/or previous experience with Cooperative Extension, 4‑H, youth development, volunteer management, teaching, or community‑based programming

Required License or Certification

• Valid NC Driver’s License

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range $35,000-$40,000. Internal Transfer Only No.

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date 09/16/2026

Applicant Information

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515‑2135 or [e-mail].

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.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.