Extension Agent, 4-H (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)
The 4-H Extension Agent is an employee of North Carolina State University and a professional educator. 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 supports 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.
The Extension 4-H agent will be located in Dare County and will be responsible for directing and growing a comprehensive 4-H professional 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. The Extension 4-H agent shall:
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a community based 4-H program which teaches life skills via a mix of methods including project, special interest, afterschool and/or community clubs and project groups, including 4-H in-school programs (clubs and school enrichment).
- Plan, promote and attend 4-H residential and 4-H summer day camps and events throughout the county that provide opportunity for development of life skills and self-esteem.
- Provide opportunities for youth to be actively involved in events and programs outside the county on the district, state, and/or national level.
- Recruit, develop and train youth and adult volunteers representative of the county population to assist with the implementation of the 4-H program, ensuring that all Client Protection guidelines are implemented.
- 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 to consist of 4-H alumni, volunteer leaders, 4-H youth, and county leaders that represent the metrics of the county.
- 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.
- 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.
This position will be responsible for supervising the overall 4-H program, which includes establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs within Dare County, recruiting and training volunteers, and ensuring that 4-H programs follow all 4-H and Extension procedures. Responsibilities may include supervision of program staff and management of programs funded through grants and fees. As a member of the Dare County staff, the individual in this position will recognize the importance of teamwork and fully support the total Extension program. Additional duties as assigned by the County Extension Director may be required.
Volunteer recruitment and training experience and grant development skills will be necessary. The applicant must be self-directed, possess a strong work ethic, and have excellent customer service skills. The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic. The Extension Agent and must be willing to travel for trainings and programs as well as work overnight and or weekend for events and or trips.
Work Schedule - Monday - Friday 8:30 am- 5 pm, evenings and weekends as required.
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 - A Bachelor's degree in child or youth development, family and consumer sciences, or a related discipline is required. Also required: a personal automobile; computer literacy; strong oral and written communication skills; the ability to plan, implement, market, and evaluate educational programs; willingness to work as a team member and support a total Extension program; and the ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities. Personal Attributes: Successful performance of the duties encompassed in the County Extension Agent's job requires that the individual possess habits of industry, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine appreciation for the worth of the individual. The employee must be adept in both oral and written communication. The County Extension Agent is eligible to become a member of the non-tenure track/special faculty at North Carolina State University.
Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education - The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic. Volunteer recruitment and development experience and program development skills will be necessary. A related Master's degree is preferred. Experience in grant writing and management preferred.
Required License or Certification - Valid driver's license and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid NC driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained