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

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Accident Plan

Paid Time Off & Holidays

Tuition & Academic Assistance

Job summary

NC Cooperative Extension in Chatham County is seeking a 4-H Youth Development Agent to lead, plan, and grow a countywide 4-H program serving youth ages 5–18. You will direct programming, collaborate with partners, and ensure high-quality, research-based experiences across STEM, civic engagement, and more.

The role requires strong leadership, program development, and volunteer management skills, with a schedule that may include evenings and weekends to support events and youth activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in a field related to child or youth development or in a related field.
• Experience developing and/or managing community gardens for youth programming.
• Experience planning programs and working in varied communities, including urban.
• Experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteer leaders to extend youth programming.

Responsibilities

• The 4-H Extension Agent plans, executes, and evaluates comprehensive 4-H programs for county populations.
• Provides leadership for the total 4-H program and determines programming needs, planning, marketing, and evaluating.
• Involves training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and offering school-based 4-H opportunities.

Skills

Independent work

Interpersonal skills

Time management

MS Office & Google Workspace

Oral & written communication

Multi-tasking

Travel availability

Networking with partners

Lifting/carrying

Education

Bachelor’s degree in child/youth development or related field

Tools

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

• Accident Plan

Posting Details

Position Information

Posting Number

PG190912CE

Position Number

NC-000111925-1026

Position Type

NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

Job City & State

Pittsboro, NC

Department

Chatham County Extension

System Information

Working Title

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

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

Job Type

Full-Time - Permanent

FTE

1.0

Position Overview

NC Cooperative Extension in ChathamCounty is seeking a 4-H Youth Development Agent. The4-H agent‑is a member of the staff of North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE ) andwill be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H 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.

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.

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

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.

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

Chatham County is located in the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina in the North Central Extension District. For more information about Chatham County, visit the County website at https://www.chathamcountync.gov/ and the Cooperative Extension website at chatham.ces.ncsu.edu.

Wolfpack Perks And Benefits

Although our employees are based in county offices across North Carolina, they enjoy the same benefits of being part of the NC State University community.

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• 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.

Other Duties And Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that will meet the needs of the county population and support the mission of the 4-H organization, which is to develop youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential, becoming effective contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The 4-H Extension Agent cooperates with colleagues in 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 North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

The individual in the position will provide leadership for the total 4-H program and will be responsible for determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This position will also be involved in training 4-H volunteers, supporting 4-H clubs, and providing opportunities for school-based 4-H programs.

Other Work/Responsibilities

The 4-H Agent shall:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 who represent the business, social, and demographic metrics of the county.
• Develop a marketing/recruiting program that attracts youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county, to drive desired programmatic impact.
• 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.

A key responsibility of this position is managing a varied group of volunteers who may be considerably more experienced than the agent.

The ability to raise funds and manage finances for the overall county 4-H program and to oversee the integrity of all 4-H related accounts in the agent’s area of responsibility is important.

Agents have the opportunity to provide leadership at the district, state and national levels through the North Carolina Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the National Association of 4-H Youth Development Professionals.

Supervisory

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises

N/A

Percent of Time Spent

Requirements and Preferences

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key

Not Applicable

Work Schedule

40 hours/week. The individual in this position often works night and weekend hours outside of the normal workday.

Minimum Experience/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

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 varied 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, broad populations.
• Ability to manage time, as well as program, financial, and human resources.
• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Office, as well as Google Workspace tools).
• 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.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• 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 developing and/or managing community gardens for youth programming.
• Experience planning programs and working in varied communities, including urban.
• 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.

Required License Or Certification

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license

Valid NC Driver's License required?

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Physical Required?

No

List Any Other Medical/drug Tests Required

Recruitment

Recruitment Details

Anticipated Hiring Range Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000

Internal Transfer Only

No

Recruitment Dates

Job Open Date

10/22/2026

Applicant Information

Quick Link https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/236322

EEO

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 [phone] 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.