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

Louisiana State University

93d

About The Position

The LSU AgCenter is actively seeking applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. The Assistant/Associate Extension Agent will provide along with the 4-H Agents in the parish, overall leadership for non-formal youth development education in the parish and work with and through volunteers to plan and organize a well-balanced 4-H youth program. The Extension Agent will target increased involvement of less active youth audiences and expand program diversity and delivery. Program delivery includes 4-H school clubs, project and community clubs, camps, after school programs, school enrichment, leadership programs, short-term special interest groups and community service learning. Some programs may require working evenings and weekends. The agent will be in charge of the Ascension 4-H shooting sports program and must be willing to work in other closely related fields. The Extension Agent is responsible for working with program advisory committees to identify local youth needs, to develop programs that respond to those needs, and to assess the impacts of the programs. The identification, recruitment training, and support of volunteers are essential for an effective 4-H program. As an Extension employee, the agent must be willing to continue professional development and remain current with youth development research and its application to programming. The incumbent is expected to perform other tasks that may be assigned by supervisor(s) and work cooperatively with other Extension faculty at the parish, region, and state levels.

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.
• Must have an undergraduate degree with an overall grade-point average of at least 2.5 and a 3.0 for graduate work attempted, if any.
• The applicant must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a field listed above is desired.
• Experience in recruiting, training and supervising volunteers.
• Experience in teaching and applying principles of leadership development to both youth and adults.
• Knowledge of public relations and the ability to cope with change.

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.
• 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
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree