4-H Extension Agent - Covington County

Auburn University • Andalusia, AL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is hiring a 4-H Extension Agent based in Covington County, Alabama. This non-tenure-track position provides programmatic leadership and delivers programming that builds life skills in Alabama youth. The agent works under the supervision of the County Extension Director and as part of a regional Extension team with other agents, directors, specialists, clientele, advisory groups, and volunteers. Applicants should be self-directed, able to thrive in a flexible work environment, and committed to serving a diverse population.

The agent leads and develops a broad-based county 4-H program, offering experiential learning and mentoring that help young people build knowledge, leadership skills, independence, and personal growth. The role includes strategic and annual program planning, youth and adult committee leadership, coordination with colleagues, and participation in county, regional, state, and national events, including statewide assignments and summer camp.

The agent also manages program communications, marketing, evaluation, and data collection; builds relationships with volunteers, schools, agencies, and organizations; and supports inclusive programming and compliance with civil-rights, affirmative-action, and youth risk-management policies. Responsibilities include recruiting, orienting, and training volunteers and identifying and managing funding and other resources. Outdoor work is required at times, and work with or near animals, water, sporting equipment, plants, and wildlife may occur. The position may require work outside typical 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. hours, including evenings and weekends.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 0 years of experience for Level 1; or bachelor’s degree and 4 years of experience or master’s degree and 2 years of experience for Level 2; or bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience or master’s degree and 6 years of experience for Level 3.
• Education in a discipline related to extension programming.
• Experience implementing, managing, or delivering educational programs in a relevant discipline, including formal and/or informal teaching methods.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Self-directed, able to thrive in a flexible work environment, willing to work as part of a team, and able to serve a diverse population.
• Ability to work outdoors at times and, as needed, with or near animals, water, sporting equipment, plants, and wildlife.
• Ability to work outside typical 7:45 a.m.–4:45 p.m. hours, including potential evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide programmatic leadership and deliver programming that builds life skills in Alabama youth.
• Develop leadership and engagement skills to grow and sustain the county 4-H program across five areas of excellence: team and program formation, use of research-based curricula, varied delivery modes, plan-of-work development and teamwork, and alignment of staffing and resources.
• Learn and use programs, resources, and skills in 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 delivery.
• Lead, organize, and implement a broad-based county 4-H program.
• Provide experiential learning, teaching, and mentoring opportunities for youth.
• Lead development of an annual county 4-H strategic plan, including a youth demographic report, delivery-mode decisions, and goals.
• Develop and implement an annual county 4-H plan of work that provides youth ages 9–18 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 lead the 4-H Adult Advisory Committee.
• Meet regularly with colleagues in SET to share needs-assessment results, coordinate programs, and establish priorities and initiatives.
• Lead or assist with county, regional, state, and national events, including required annual assignments to statewide 4-H events and summer camp.
• Coordinate and communicate with County Extension Directors, State Extension Specialists, and appropriate Assistant Directors concerning 4-H programs, resources, protocols, and policies.
• Serve as the leading program resource member of the County 4-H Team and provide expertise and leadership on county program policies, decisions, and direction in line with ACES and Auburn University guidelines.
• Promote and market Alabama 4-H and local, regional, and state programs in accordance with university and ACES communications and branding guidelines.
• Maintain communication and develop networks and partnerships with volunteers, schools, agencies, and organizations to enhance program delivery and evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with civil-rights and affirmative-action policies in serving underserved and underrepresented audiences.
• Implement and enforce Auburn University Risk Management requirements and policies to help keep youth safe.
• Collect and enter program data, including in 4-H Online, and prepare evaluation summaries and success stories documenting 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 media forms.
• Recruit, orient, coordinate, and provide specialized training for 4-H volunteers in conjunction with Auburn University Risk Management for Youth.
• Identify, secure, and manage fiscal resources such as contracts, grants, fees, donations, and sponsorships for local and priority programs; may also assist with resources for larger events.
• Participate in grant-funded projects led by State Extension Specialists or a State Program Lead as needed.
• Build volunteer and partner 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 and 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 employees and dependents after one year of service.
• State retirement plan and other voluntary retirement plan options and benefits.
• Flexible work environment and work/life balance.
• Supportive leadership and colleagues.

What This Job Offers

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