Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Lebanon County

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State Extension in Lebanon County, PA, seeks an innovative Extension Educator to lead the 4-H youth development program with hands-on activities, helping clubs, camps, and school enrichment thrive while engaging volunteers.

You will collaborate with two 4-H Educators to grow youth and volunteer enrollment, broaden program offerings, and deliver impactful learning experiences regionally. Strong communication and community partnerships are essential.

Qualifications

• Candidates should have teaching, program development, and evaluation skills, plus strong communication with youth, parents, leaders, and the public.
• Ability to carry equipment and materials, with or without accommodations.
• Willingness to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Advance curricula grounded in animal care and ethical husbandry.
• Supervise volunteers while maintaining biosecurity and safety standards.
• Build partnerships with local agricultural organizations and stakeholders.
• Secure funding and support statewide 4‑H Animal Science initiatives.

Skills

Teaching

Program development

Evaluation

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Degree in youth development or related field

Job description

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional Extension Educator with a passion for positive youth development to help implement the local 4‑H program as part of the Lebanon County Team as well as support the statewide program. 4‑H utilizes hands‑on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through nonformal settings, such as 4‑H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after‑school programs. Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches, and mentors.

This position is based at Penn State Extension, Lebanon County, PA.

As a representative of Penn State University, this individual works in close collaboration with two existing 4‑H Educators to deliver and expand a comprehensive 4‑H Animal Science Program across various animal species. In this collaborative role, the position focuses on growing overall youth and volunteer enrollment, broadening program offerings, and delivering impactful learning experiences through clubs, clinics, camps, and school enrichment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advancing curricula grounded in quality animal care and ethical husbandry.
• Supervising volunteers while maintaining biosecurity and safety standards.
• Building partnerships with local agricultural organizations, fair boards, and stakeholder networks.
• Securing funding; and supporting the State 4‑H Animal Science team to execute high‑quality programming and statewide events across Pennsylvania.

Major responsibilities include:

• Implement educational programs, materials, and activities as part of the overall efforts of the Pennsylvania 4‑H program and the identified needs of the local county.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support adult volunteers.
• Promote the 4‑H program to retain current members and recruit new and diverse youth audiences.
• Provide leadership for efforts that reach urban and rural populations. This could include local food production and promotion, broadening connections between urban and rural agriculture,
• Strengthening economic development through education to help youth and adults with job training, community engagement, leadership development, addressing food insecurity, and meeting the needs of first‑generation 4‑H families and those not previously served by Extension.
• Effectively, work with the County 4‑H Program Development Committee to plan the local program, including a fundraising strategy.
• Provide effective communication to volunteers, youth, and parents to ensure a quality experience.
• Foster relationships and develop partnerships with other youth‑serving groups, schools, or organizations.
• Coordinate registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4‑H youth events held in other counties, across the state, or out of state.
• Implement program evaluation, documentation, and reporting.
• Provide administrative oversight to 4‑H volunteers, youth, and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.
• Manage funds raised in the name of 4‑H at the club and county levels.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4‑H Educator.

Required Qualifications:

• Candidate should possess teaching, program development, and evaluation skills, and demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public.
• The candidate must be able to carry equipment, educational materials, and supplies, with or without accommodation.
• Candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, nutrition, community development, leadership, or a closely related field, and with 4‑H experience.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree. No prior relevant work experience required. Required Certifications: None.

Application Requirement

In addition to the application, candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications for the position and a resume.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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