County Extension Agent - 4-H

University of Arkansas System•Faulkner County Extension Office, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The County Extension Agent – 4‑H leads hands‑on, research‑based youth programs, partnering with county schools, volunteers, and specialists while recruiting and training volunteer leaders to support 4‑H clubs and educational activities for youth. This role involves maintaining knowledge of county characteristics and Extension programs, collaborating with advisory committees to identify client needs, and promoting the 4-H program through various outreach methods. The agent will recruit and advise adult leaders, engage youth in project work and life skill development, and prepare them for various levels of competition and leadership roles. The position requires employing effective evaluation techniques, leveraging Extension specialists for program design, and responding to client inquiries with research-based recommendations. Ensuring compliance with civil rights requirements and maintaining knowledge of youth education practices are also key responsibilities. The agent will support county agriculture or family and consumer science programs and adhere to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures. Additional responsibilities may be assigned by the supervisor or district director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in family & consumer science, agriculture, education, youth development or related field of study; degree must be conferred by date of hire or Bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
Must have reliable transportation for use on the job with liability insurance in effect.
Must successfully complete the standard background check which includes the Arkansas Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Check.
Knowledge of agricultural subject matter appropriate to the county.
Ability to plan and conduct programs and 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 speak and write clearly and communicate ideas effectively.
Ability to work long and irregular hours and 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 O-Ramas 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.
Leverages Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement and teach educational programs in all 4-H program areas. Responds to clientele inquiries through phone consultations, e-mails, in-person office and site visits, providing tailored researched based recommendations as required.
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.