County Extension Agent - Family & Consumer Science

University of Arkansas System•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Science conducts practical, community-based educational programs to empower individuals, families, and communities in nutrition, family well-being, health, food safety, and economic self-sufficiency. The agent works with a broad audience and local volunteers to encourage community support and participation in county programming. The position develops and delivers research-based Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) programs and supports county 4-H and Extension Homemaker Club activities where applicable. The agent responds to community inquiries, works with local leaders and organizations, evaluates program outcomes, maintains required records and reports, and ensures programs are inclusive and comply with civil rights requirements. The role also requires collaboration with Extension colleagues and community partners, ongoing professional development, and adherence to University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies. The position is based in Howard County. Reliable transportation with liability insurance is required. The agent must be able to work long and irregular hours and travel frequently. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, education, youth development, or a related field, conferred by the date of hire; alternatively, a bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience.
Reliable transportation for use on the job and liability insurance in effect.
Successful completion of the standard background check, including the Arkansas Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Check.
Knowledge of family and consumer sciences subject matter relevant to the assigned county.
Ability to plan and conduct programs and work with all clientele without discrimination on legally protected grounds.
Ability to speak and write clearly and communicate ideas effectively.
Ability to work long and irregular hours and travel frequently.

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of the county’s social, economic, and political characteristics and serve as a liaison with community leaders, agencies, and governments.
Maintain current knowledge of Arkansas Extension programs.
Develop and execute an annual action plan based on issues identified by programmatic subcommittees and personal observations.
Plan, deliver, and teach educational programs, demonstrations, and activities addressing county clientele needs.
Provide program participation opportunities at county, district, and state levels, and share educational information with government leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders.
Use Extension specialists and research-based information to design, implement, and teach programs across FCS priority areas.
Respond to clientele inquiries by phone, email, and in-person office or site visits, providing tailored research-based recommendations as needed.
Advise county Extension Homemaker Club officers, board, and members where an established program exists; provide unbiased leader training and support county, district, and state activities.
Support county 4-H programming and activities, including FCS education, competitive-event training, volunteer recruitment and development, and fundraising.
Evaluate the impact of county FCS and 4-H programs and communicate annual results to advisory committees, Extension Councils where applicable, and county and state government officials.
Ensure compliance with civil rights requirements, promote program accessibility and inclusivity, and maintain accurate compliance records.
Complete and submit required monthly reports.
Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to advance the Extension mission and maintain good working relationships with staff, clientele, and the public.
Build a network of supporters and volunteers to assist with program delivery.
Maintain knowledge of research-based FCS practices and programs through in-service training, professional development associations, and other appropriate opportunities.
Follow University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities assigned by the immediate supervisor or district director.