County Extension Agent - 4-H/Agriculture

University of Arkansas System•Newport, MO

About The Position

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The 4-H Youth Development Agent works with volunteers, public schools, & other organizations to deliver research-based, hands-on learning experiences that foster positive & healthy youth development. The agent works with subject matter specialists to develop educational activities & recruits & trains volunteer leaders to work with youth in clubs & project groups. The agent works closely with a broad audience base & volunteers to conduct educational programs for youth. The agent in this position will be 80% 4-H and 20% Agriculture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, youth development, or related area of study is required and must be conferred by hire date.
Must have transportation for use on the job with liability insurance in effect.
Must agree to a background check authorizing release of relevant Arkansas Child Abuse & Neglect Central Registry records.
Knowledge in one or more agriculture or family & consumer sciences subject matter areas appropriate to the county assigned.
Ability to speak & write clearly & communicate ideas effectively.
Ability to plan & conduct programs & work with all clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status.
Ability to work long & irregular hours & travel frequently.

Responsibilities

Maintains a thorough knowledge of the social, economic, and political characteristics of the county and will be an effective liaison with local community leaders, agencies and governments. Maintains an up-to-date and working knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs.
Collaborates with the County Extension Council or advisory committee and provides leadership to the 4-H Subcommittee in identifying the educational needs of clients. Partners with the county activity committee to plan and implement events. Develop educational materials to support workshops and trainings.
Promotes the 4-H program through community activities, news articles, and other outreach methods. Develop marketing tools to support county-based programs. Keeps members and volunteers informed of upcoming activities and opportunities through newsletters, emails, and social media.
Recruits and advises adult leaders and volunteers. Conducts leader trainings and assists leaders with club organization and maintenance.
Engages youth in project work and life skill development through hands-on activities. Prepares and supports youth for demonstrations, speeches, camps, competitions, and leadership roles at the county, district, state levels and potentially nationally. Provides training and guidance for 4-H clubs, and judging teams, including competition preparation. Offers ongoing mentoring to strengthen leadership and communication skills of youth and volunteers. Provides supervision and support for youth during 4-H programs and events, with the expectation of participating in district and state Oramas that will involve travel and overnight stays.
Employs effective evaluation techniques to measure the impact of county 4-H programs. Compiles and communicates program results to the county advisory committee, Extension Council, stakeholders and local government officials on an annual basis.
Ensures compliance with civil rights requirements and maintains current knowledge of applicable rules and regulations. Ensures all programs are accessible to the public and maintains accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
Maintains a working knowledge of researched based youth education practices and programs by attending in-service trainings offered through Arkansas Extension, professional development associations and other opportunities deemed appropriate by their supervisor and/or district director.
Supports the county agriculture or family and consumer science programs and related activities, including educational programming, demonstrations and fundraising efforts. Contributes to program delivery at the county, district, and state levels.
Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with institutional standards in all professional activities.
Performs additional responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or district director.