County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Science

University of Arkansas•Augusta, GA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Science delivers practical, community‑based education in nutrition, health, family well‑being, food safety, and financial stability while engaging county residents and volunteers to support county programs, a role grounded in community education and family well‑being. This role involves maintaining a thorough knowledge of the county's social, economic, and political characteristics and serving as an effective liaison with local community leaders, agencies, and governments. The agent will also maintain up-to-date knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs. The position requires developing and executing an annual action plan based on identified issues, planning, delivering, and teaching educational programs, demonstrations, and activities that address county clientele needs. It also involves providing opportunities for program participation at various levels and sharing educational information with county government leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders. The agent will leverage Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement, and teach educational programs in all Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) priority areas, responding to clientele inquiries and providing tailored recommendations. Additionally, the role includes serving as an advisor to county (EHC) Extension Homemaker Club officers, board, and members, providing leader training, and supporting EHC activities. Support for the county 4-H program and related activities, including FCS educational programming, training for competitive events, volunteer recruitment and development, and fundraising efforts, is also a key responsibility. The agent will employ effective evaluation techniques to measure program impact and compile/communicate program results. Ensuring compliance with civil rights requirements, promoting inclusivity, and maintaining accurate records are essential. The position requires completing and submitting monthly reports, collaborating with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, and establishing/maintaining good working relationships. Continuous learning of researched-based FCS practices and programs through trainings and professional development is expected, along with demonstrating knowledge of and adherence 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, 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 family & consumer science 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

Delivers practical, community‑based education in nutrition, health, family well‑being, food safety, and financial stability.
Engages county residents and volunteers to support county programs.
Maintains a thorough knowledge of the social, economic, and political characteristics of the county.
Serves as an effective liaison with local community leaders, agencies, and governments.
Maintains an up-to-date and working knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs.
Develops and executes an annual action plan based on issues identified by the programmatic Subcommittee(s) and personal observations.
Plans, delivers and teaches educational programs, demonstrations, and activities that address the needs of the county’s clientele.
Provides opportunities for program participation at the county, district, and state levels.
Shares educational information with county government leaders, community organizations and stakeholders to support the overall Extension mission.
Leverages Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement and teach educational programs in all Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) priority areas.
Responds to clientele inquiries through phone consultations, e-mails, in-person office and site visits, providing tailored researched based recommendations as required.
Serve as an advisor to the county (EHC) Extension Homemaker Club officers, board and members.
Provides researched and unbiased leader training for EHC clubs.
Provide support during and at county, district and state EHC activities.
Supports the county 4-H program and related activities, including FCS educational programming, training for competitive events, volunteer recruitment and development, and fundraising efforts.
Contributes to program delivery at the county, district, and state levels.
Employs effective evaluation techniques to measure the impact of county FCS and 4-H programs.
Compiles and communicates program results to the county advisory committee, Extension Council (if applicable), and county and state government officials on an annual basis.
Ensures compliance with civil rights requirements and maintains current knowledge of applicable rules and regulations.
Promotes inclusivity by ensuring all programs are accessible to the public and maintains accurate records to demonstrate compliance.
Completes and submits required reports on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy, consistency, and accountability.
Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to effectively carry out and advance the Extension mission.
Establish and maintain good working relationships with Extension staff, clientele and general public.
Build a network of supporters and volunteers to assist in program delivery.
Maintains a working knowledge of researched based FCS practices and programs by attending in-service trainings offered through Arkansas Extension, professional development associations and other opportunities deemed appropriate by their supervisor.
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.