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

NC State University

Shelby (NC)

Hybrid

USD 42,000 - 64,000

Full time

23 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

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Employee Value Proposition

Job summary

NC State University in North Carolina seeks an Extension 4-H Agent to lead Cleveland County’s youth development program. You will plan, implement, and evaluate educational experiences that build life skills and leadership in youths, families, and volunteers.

You will collaborate with schools, partners, and community groups to develop high‑quality programs and measurable impacts while expanding participation and ensuring program integrity.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in youth development, agricultural education, education, family and consumer sciences, agriculture, Extension education, or a closely related field.
Bachelor’s degree with GPA requirements: 2.5 overall or 3.0 in major; or Master’s degree.
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 work independently while contributing to a team.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership for the Cleveland County 4-H Youth Development program.
Develop an annual program plan with measurable goals, outcomes, and impacts.
Maintain a balanced 4-H program including clubs, school enrichment, special-interest programs, camps, workshops, and events.
Increase participation and expand programming across Cleveland County.
Collaborate with extension staff and agency partners to deliver programs.

Skills

Volunteer management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Community relationship building

Technology for education

Program evaluation

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in youth development or related field

Job description

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

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Special Instructions to applicants: In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

Position Information

Posting Number

PG190892CE

Position Number

W-00002292-0926

Position Type

NC Cooperative Extension

Department Information

Job City & State

Shelby, NC

Department

NC Cooperative Extension - Cleveland County

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

1.00

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.

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.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

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.

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

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

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

Valid NC Driver's License required? Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Physical Required? No

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 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 match 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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* How did you learn of this opportunity?
- NCSU Website
- Job Alert (automated email from our system)
- NCSU Executive Search Services
- Monster.com
- CareerBuilder.com
- InsideHigherEd.com
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Other Online Job Board
- Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
- Job / Career Fair
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Professional Journal
- Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
- Radio / Television Advertisement
- Professional Organization
- Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
- Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
- NCSU Employee Referral
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
- Other
* If you learned about this vacancy from "other source" or "other website", please provide the source.
(Open Ended Question)
* All agent positions require a minimum education requirement of: A. A Bachelor's degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or 3.0 in major field of study (based on a 4.0 scale); B. 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 of 3.0 or higher; C. A completed Master's degree. Do you meet this minimum education requirement?
- Yes, I meet the requirement listed in section A above.
- Yes, I meet the requirement listed in section B above.
- Yes, I meet the requirement listed in section C above.
- No, however I am in my last semester of study.
- No, I do not meet this requirement.
* Please give detailed examples of your qualifications and work, school, and other experiences in the following competency. Youth and Adult Development--The knowledge of the growth and development process over the life span and its application in the creation of environments which optimize human potential.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please give detailed examples of your qualifications and work, school, and other experiences in the following competency. Volunteerism for Youth Development--The integration of knowledge related to adult and youth development, organizational systems, volunteer research, and management practices to build and maintain volunteer management systems for the delivery of youth development programs.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please give detailed examples of your qualifications and work, school, and other experiences in the following competency. Organizational Systems for Youth Development--The knowledge of organizational systems and resource management practices that lead organizations to the fulfillment of their missions.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please give detailed examples of your qualifications and work, school, and other experiences in the following competency. Partnerships for Youth Development--The knowledge of the process and contextual factors which enhance the ability of community members to work together to improve the quality of life for youth and their families.
(Open Ended Question)
* Please give detailed examples of your qualifications and work, school, and other experiences in the following competency. Learning strategies for Youth Development--The knowledge of theory and its application in the design and evaluation of learning experience for positive youth development.
(Open Ended Question)