Temporary Interim 4-H Program Associate (continuous post)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development seeks a Temporary Interim 4-H Program Associate to manage county 4-H programs, coordinate volunteers, and oversee operations. This continuous posting pools applicants for fall and winter 2026 openings across Minnesota counties.

Responsibilities include linking county activities to statewide 4-H outcomes, partnering with boards, and ensuring safety and policy compliance while delivering engaging youth programming.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 20 years old by start date.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate county 4-H programs and link to statewide outcomes.
• Recruit, train and oversee volunteers.
• Promote 4-H via social media, email, and direct mail to families and partners.
• Ensure fiscal accountability and tax compliance with operations.

Skills

Program coordination

Volunteer coordination

Communication

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience with youth development

Tools

Word processing

Email & internet

Job description

Title

Temporary Interim 4-H Program Associate (continuous posting)

Classification

0006, Non-Exempt Temporary (up to 67 days in a calendar year)

Appointment

Temporary, 20-40 hours per week; dependent on location and time of year

Pay Range

$20-$25 an hour, depending on qualifications and experience

About the Position

This is a continuous posting used to establish a pool of applicants for potential temporary interim openings during Fall and Winter 2026 for the Extension Department of Youth Development. Applicants will be selected from this pool on an as-needed basis.

Interim positions provide continuity for a county 4-H program due to staff vacancy (resignation or leave) in any of the 87 counties. Under the direct supervision of the Youth Development Program Leader, this position manages the daily operations, coordination, and stewardship of the county 4-H Youth Development program.

Location and Work Environment

This position is located in a county Extension office and also works in various educational settings in communities within the county. Interest in available locations will be collected in the required pre-screening survey.

Work Schedule

This position uses a time card to record time. A weekly schedule will be between 20-40 hours, depending on the program needs and time of year. The position will work days, evenings, and weekends, as needed, to meet responsibilities of the position.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Coordination (40%)

• Link county activities to statewide 4-H educational outcomes.
• Partner with local boards and committees to execute program plans.
• Manage multiple participation models (clubs, after-school, and site-based).
• Oversee public recognition and showcases, including county fairs and awards.
• Uphold University of Minnesota Extension policies and safety standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Volunteer Coordination (35%)

• Identify, recruit, train, and recognize adult volunteers.
• Ensure all volunteers are screened and cleared for their roles.
• Serve as the primary resource for volunteer inquiries and tools.

Marketing, Recruitment, & Reporting (15%)

• Promote 4-H via social media, email, and direct mail to families and partners.
• Collect and enter enrollment and participation records for state reporting.

Operations & Risk Management (10%)

• Ensure fiscal accountability and tax compliance with operations specialists.
• Implement risk management procedures to maintain a secure environment.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 20 years old by the start date to ensure a minimum two-year age difference from most participants.
• One year of full-time equivalent (post-high school degree) youth work experience (this can be met with a combination of volunteer experience, employment experience, education/classes in youth work and related)
• Experience with word processing, e-mail, and internet browsers.
• Experience working with clientele both face-to-face and on the phone.
• Proficient in oral and written English communication skills
• A willingness to become familiar with and work within the philosophy and guidelines of University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota 4-H program, and the local 4-H program

Additional Requirements

• Work within an assigned office as well as in various educational settings for majority or all of assigned work hours.
• Work days, evenings, and weekends, as needed, to meet responsibilities of the position.
• This position works in the community. Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance. Mileage reimbursement provided.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Must have the ability to lift, carry, pull, and push 20 pounds.
• Must be able to stand or sit continuously for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
• Current University of Minnesota or system campus students are not eligible to hold this position.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree. Education in sociology, youth development, or related field.
• Basic understanding of youth development principles.
• Program coordination, teaching and evaluation skills.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience coordinating events and educational activities.
• Effective problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of risk management
• The ability to communicate effectively with youth, parents, adult volunteers, and staff

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• 4-H experience as a youth or volunteer
• Experience with Google Suite

About the Department

About Extension and 4-H Youth Development

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

University of Minnesota Extension Department of Youth Development works in partnership with communities to build engaged young people who are ready to learn and lead in a global society. Using youth development methods and principles that are based on experiential learning and proven to result in positive youth development, we foster sustainability and resilience by building community-wide knowledge, capacity, and networks that support the healthy development of youth. Our audiences include all Minnesota youth grades K-13, and volunteers, youth workers, and partners who deliver positive youth development programming; and, agencies, organizations, and groups that affect the lives of youth. To learn more about our programs, please visit https://extension.umn.edu/4-H.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20-$25/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.