Visiting Assistant Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development

University of Connecticut; North Haven (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Connecticut’s Department of Extension in New Haven County seeks a Visiting Assistant Extension Educator based in North Haven, CT. This 11-month, full-time role focuses on 4-H youth development in food, agriculture, and natural resources literacy, with opportunities for state and multi-state programming, including school-based STEM initiatives.

The educator will expand the 4-H program in New Haven County, recruit and manage volunteers, and collaborate with CAES to plan, deliver, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field with emphasis on youth development, or agricultural/extension education.
• Experience coordinating and evaluating educational programs.
• Knowledge of teaching methods for youth and adults.
• Experience collaborating with diverse audiences including youth, adults and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow the 4-H youth development program in New Haven County focusing on food, agriculture, and natural resources literacy.
• Plan, deliver, and evaluate school-based STEM programs in collaboration with CAES.
• Manage county-based 4-H volunteers and coordinate with the Middlesex Educator for county events.
• Contribute to the UConn 4-H Youth Development Team and partner with schools and communities.

Skills

Program coordination

Youth education

Stakeholder engagement

Partnership development

Education

Master's degree

Job description

The Department of Extension, New Haven County, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) seeks applicants for a full-time Visiting Assistant Extension Educator, 11-month position. This person will focus on 4-H youth development specifically in the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources literacy in New Haven County. State and multi-state programming may be expected. Additionally, this position will plan, deliver, and evaluate school-based programs to increase youth STEM knowledge and skills. The Visiting Assistant Extension Educator will report to the Department of Extension Head and will be based in North Haven, Connecticut.

The successful candidate shall expand an active 4-H youth development program with a focus on food, agriculture, and natural resources literacy. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the 4-H community club program in New Haven County, generate financial and in-kind resources to support 4-H programs, manage county-based 4-H volunteers, share responsibility with the Middlesex Educator, for conducting the annual Middlesex & New Haven 4-H County Fair, and actively contribute to the UConn 4-H Youth Development Team and its goals. Additionally, in collaboration with CAES, the successful candidate will plan, deliver, and evaluate school-based programs to increase youths’ STEM knowledge and skills, contributing to a better prepared scientific workforce. School-based programs may include school enrichment, in-school or after-school clubs, and special interest programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master’s degree in nonformal or formal education, including agricultural and extension education; food, agricultural, environmental or health related sciences; youth development; or associated fields.
2. . Experience in educational program coordination and facilitation, that includes planning, organization, delivery, and evaluation.
3. Knowledge of teaching methods and processes that are appropriate for youth and adult audiences.
4. Demonstrated experience working cohesively with diverse audiences of youth, adults, and volunteers.
5. Experience developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years’ experience working with K-12 youth in the areas of education, food, agriculture, environment, or health.
• At least three years’ experience in managing or working with volunteers.
• Experience with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.
• Demonstrated experience evaluating STEM programming and disseminating related scholarship through appropriate outlets, such as conferences and journals.
• Experience publishing peer-reviewed scholarships, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.
• Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.