PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The 4-H Extension Associate Position at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program (CEP), and College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences (CACS) provides support to 4-H summer programs and 4-H school enrichment, after-school, and 4-H Clubs. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The 4-H Extension Associate at the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program provides educational and technical information to field extension faculty and staff with 4-H and youth development responsibilities in 4-H, healthy living, agriculture, and natural resources. Work cooperatively with other state extension specialists in developing, implementing and evaluating multi-disciplinary activities. Provides leadership to State Wide programs, such as the National Science Day, and the 4-H Ignite Conference. Provide leadership for the summer programs and oversee day-to-day operations ensuring that all programs are fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate summer program experiences (Ag Discovery, STI, Rosenwald Summer and Enrichment Programs, etc.).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without accommodation)

•    Provide educational and technical information to field extension faculty and staff with 4-H and youth development responsibilities in 4-H, healthy living, agriculture, and natural resources.

•    Work cooperatively with other state extension specialists in developing, implementing and evaluating multi-disciplinary activities.

•    Provide leadership to State Wide programs, such as the National Science Day, and the 4-H Ignite Conference.

•    Provide leadership for the summer programs and oversee day-to-day operations ensuring that all programs are fun, safe, and developmentally appropriate summer program experiences (Ag Discovery, STI, Rosenwald Summer and Enrichment Programs, etc.). 

•    Develop and implement non-traditional 4-H Club programs for youth of all ages in school enrichment, after school, spring and fall out of school programs, summer programs, community outreach, etc.

•    Provide oversight of the day-to-day operations for the 4-H School Enrichment, 4-H Clubs and after-school programs at Rosenwald, including planning, coordination, and supervision of the program to ensure that youth receive 4-H programs which provide for growth in academics, social emotional development, and health and wellness. 

•    Design, implement, and evaluate 4-H programs in school enrichment and after-school settings that are designed on principles of positive youth development, address the interests of youth, and help develop their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills and abilities.  Activities developed should be interesting and appropriate for the various age and skill-levels of the youth being served.

•    Uses experiential learning (learning by doing) as a primary teaching approach and foster youth-adult partnerships that encourage active involvement and participation by youth and adults.

•    Plan and coordinate logistics for all summer camp programs (purchase orders, transportation, meals, housing, snacks, supplies, camp schedules, etc.).

•    Work with specialist to provide cutting edge information and creative programming.

•    Involve diverse stakeholders and youth in the design and implementation of non-traditional 4-H programs offered through a wide variety of access systems, including community clubs, special interest clubs, school enrichment programs, after school programs, camps, community workshops, and on-line websites. 

•    Identify, design, and teach professional development experiences for extension staff, volunteers, and other partners located throughout the state based on research-based best practices in youth development

•    Assist with the management and execution of grants that support statewide 4-H Programs. 

•    Work as part of the state-level 4-H youth development team to support 4-H Agents and staff at county and statewide events.  

•    Perform other duties as necessary.

OTHER DUTIES: (ex: tasks that may be necessary, but are not the main reason(s) the job was created)

The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in education with significant coursework related to youth development, or a closely related field.

Licensing and Certifications: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

•    Enjoys working with youth. 

•    Experience working with diverse youth audiences.

•    Evidence of cultural competency. 

•    Knowledge of experiential learning and positive youth development.

•    Experience building and working within cross-institution partnerships. 

•    Evidence of strong oral and in written communication skills. 

•    Evidence of strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. 

•    Experience with program evaluation. 

•    Experience working with youth in formal and informal settings. 

•    Experience providing professional development and training for adults.

•    Experience recruiting and managing volunteers. 

•    Demonstrated ability to write, manage and fulfill grant and special project requirements.

•    Flexibility, resiliency, and the ability to operate with minimal guidance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

•    Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 

•    Requires some standing or walking. 

•    Ability to lift 40 lbs. 

•    No or very limited exposure to physical risk. 

•    Extensive travel required.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.