Assistant/Associate Extension Agent (4-H Youth Development)

Louisiana State University

117d

About The Position

The LSU AgCenter is actively seeking applicants who can contribute to an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The LSU AgCenter Winn Parish Office seeks a 4-H Agent to lead the parish-wide 4-H youth development program. You must demonstrate the ability to work effectively with culturally, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse audiences. The goals of the 4-H Youth Development Program include increasing youth leadership development and community service learning; strengthening the partnership between 4-H and formal education; and expanding volunteer involvement to increase contact hours per youth. The program works with approximately 53 adult and youth volunteers in organizational leader and other roles that help coordinate and support the 4-H club program. As a LSU AgCenter faculty member, you will also work with agencies and organizations to assist or lead cooperative and interdisciplinary projects, both in the parish and through multi-parish efforts; provide service to schools outside of 4-H programming; develop creative works in support of programming, including presentations, professional posters, and web-based education; write scholarly publications related to the field of expertise; and participate in professional associations and service activities for the LSU AgCenter.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree in education, vocational education, agricultural sciences, family and consumer sciences/human ecology, biological or social sciences, recreation and leisure studies or closely related areas.
• Overall GPA of at least 2.5 for undergraduate degree and 3.0 for graduate work attempted, or a master's degree with an overall GPA of at least 3.0.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.
• Experience in teaching and applying principles of leadership development to both youth and adults.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change.
• Experience working in multicultural settings and coursework/training on multicultural topics.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, teach, evaluate, and report on youth educational programs that meet the needs of the parish's diverse population.
• Deliver youth development programming through 4-H community clubs, special interest clubs/groups, school enrichment, day camps, after school programs, and other events and activities.
• Coordinate youth and volunteer involvement in multi-parish, state, regional, and national 4-H program and events.
• Build and lead a strong volunteer base through recruitment, screening, training, and managing adult volunteers.
• Teach and equip volunteers in educational methods to guide and support 4-H member projects in various subjects.
• Assess and identify opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and leadership roles.
• Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and up to date.
• Develop program delivery strategies that include the use of deliberately focused virtual platforms.
• Encourage and support health equity programming and systems for youth.
• Collaborate and develop strategic partnerships with parish and governmental departments, local businesses, and social service agencies.
• Seek and manage financial resources to support 4-H programming.
• Develop and implement a communication plan for 4-H program participants, families, volunteers, and stakeholders.

Benefits

• Retirement options.
• Multiple medical insurance options.
• Supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.).
• Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan.
• University holidays (14 per year).
• Generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree