4 -H Extension Agent - Butler/Lowndes County

Auburn University • Greenville, AL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is hiring a 4-H Extension Agent based in Butler County, Alabama, serving Butler and Lowndes Counties. The agent provides programmatic leadership and delivers programs that build life skills in Alabama youth. The role calls for a self-directed, collaborative servant leader who can work with youth, colleagues, clientele, advisory groups, volunteers, schools, agencies, and community organizations across a diverse population. Animal Sciences candidates are encouraged to apply.

The agent develops and sustains the county 4-H program, provides experiential learning and mentoring, and leads planning, implementation, evaluation, and reporting. Programming spans subjects such as animals and agriculture, creative arts, environmental education, healthy living, leadership and citizenship, outdoor education, and science and technology. The agent also manages communications, marketing, volunteer development, program data, and resources while following Auburn University and ACES policies, branding requirements, civil rights policies, and youth risk-management requirements.

The position reports to the County Extension Director and works as part of an Extension team with Extension Agents, Urban Extension Agents, County Extension Directors, and Specialists. Outdoor work is required at times, and the role may involve working with or near animals, water, sporting equipment, plants, and wildlife. Hours outside the typical 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. schedule may be required, including evening and weekend opportunities.

Qualifications may be met at either level: Level 1 requires a bachelor’s degree and no experience; Level 2 requires a bachelor’s degree and four years of experience, or a master’s degree and two years of experience. Education should be in a discipline related to extension programming. Relevant experience includes implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs using formal and/or informal teaching methods. The position is continuing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to extension programming, with no experience required for Level 1.
• For Level 2, a bachelor’s degree and four years of experience, or a master’s degree and two years of experience.
• Relevant experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs using formal and/or informal teaching methods for Level 2.
• Self-directed work style and ability to thrive in a flexible work environment.
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team and serve a diverse population.
• Ability to work outdoors at times and potentially with or near animals, water, sporting equipment, plants, and wildlife.
• Availability for hours outside the typical 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. schedule, including potential nights and weekends.
• Commitment to service excellence, teamwork, inclusiveness, accountability, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Background in Animal Sciences.

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic leadership and deliver programs that build life skills in Alabama youth.
• Develop leadership and engagement skills to grow and sustain the county 4-H program, including a unified team, research-based curricula, varied delivery modes, plan-of-work development, and aligned staff assignments.
• Learn and use programs, resources, and skills in key 4-H subject areas, including animals and agriculture, creative arts, environmental education, healthy living, leadership and citizenship, outdoor education, and science and technology.
• Stay informed about demographic and socioeconomic changes and include diverse voices in program planning and prioritization.
• Lead, organize, and implement a broad-based county in-school and community 4-H program.
• Provide experiential learning, teaching, and mentoring to support youth knowledge, leadership, independence, and personal growth.
• Lead development of an annual county 4-H strategic plan that includes a youth demographic report, delivery-mode decisions, and goals.
• Develop and implement an annual county 4-H plan of work that provides youth ages 9 to 18 access to programming through balanced delivery modes and State 4-H Office-supported curricula.
• Lead the county 4-H Youth Council and work with the County Extension Director to provide leadership for the 4-H Adult Advisory Committee.
• Meet regularly with colleagues in SET to share needs-assessment results, coordinate programs, and establish priorities and initiatives.
• Provide leadership or assistance at county, regional, state, and national events, including assigned statewide 4-H events and summer camp.
• Coordinate with County Extension Directors, State Extension Specialists, and relevant Assistant Directors on 4-H programs, resources, protocols, and policies.
• Serve as a leading program resource on the County 4-H Team and provide expertise on county program policies, decisions, and direction in alignment with ACES and Auburn University guidelines.
• Promote and market Alabama 4-H and local, regional, and state programs in accordance with communications and branding guidelines.
• Maintain internal and external communications and build networks and partnerships with volunteers, schools, agencies, and organizations to enhance program delivery and evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies when serving underserved and underrepresented audiences.
• Implement and enforce Auburn University Risk Management requirements and policies designed to keep youth safe.
• Collect and enter program data, including 4-H Online data, and prepare evaluation summaries and success stories focused on program outcomes and impacts.
• Develop a communications plan for 4-H members and families using traditional and social media, and maintain a professional presence in major forms of media.
• Coordinate 4-H volunteer development with the County Extension Director, including recruitment, orientation, and specialized training in conjunction with Auburn University Risk Management for Youth.
• Identify, secure, and manage fiscal resources such as contracts, grants, fees, donations, and sponsorships for county programs and initiatives; may assist with resources for broader events.
• Participate in grant-funded projects led by State Extension Specialists or a State Program Lead as needed.
• Build volunteers’ and partners’ capacity in technical areas through training.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Four weeks of vacation accrued each year.
• 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually.
• Seven paid holidays, in addition to two weeks of paid leave during the Christmas/New Year period when the University closes.
• Six weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child, available to both mothers and fathers.
• Auburn University tuition assistance for the employee and dependents after one year of service.
• State retirement plan and voluntary retirement plan options.
• Flexible work environment and work/life balance.
• Supportive leadership and peers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level