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

Louisiana State University

104d

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 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. Applicant must have abilities to build and maintain effective working relationships with 4-H adult volunteers, the Winn Parish 4-H Advisory Committee, community-based and grassroots organizations, and peers in the LSU AgCenter organization. You will also provide strong leadership in the development of the adult volunteer system and youth-focused life skills educational content that is engaging and relevant to the audience. You will be part of a team that works together in support of initiatives designed to promote and support agriculture and strong families. 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. You will document efforts through an annual plan of work (POW) and report of accomplishment. For those being hired as an Assistant/Associate agent you will be expected to attain promotion and tenure per LSU AgCenter guidelines.

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, or a master’s degree with an overall grade-point average of at least 3.0.
• Demonstrate 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 field listed above.
• 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 in coordination with the Winn Parish 4-H Program.
• 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 the 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 fields including STEM, arts, entrepreneurship, and healthy living.
• 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