Extension Agent, 4-H (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

PG190886CE

SC-00042706-0812

NC Cooperative Extension

Gastonia, NC

NCCE Gaston County

Extension Agent, 4-H (Assistant, Associate or Full Agent)

12 Month Recurring

Full-Time - Permanent

1.00

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The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

The 4-H Agent provides leadership for the overall 4-H Youth program, planning, implementing, and evaluating initiatives for youth ages 5 to 19. In this role, the agent establishes and maintains traditional 4-H clubs, school enrichment, summer camps, and after-school programs that engage youth in positive life-skill development. The position will be responsible for working with adult volunteers to design, develop, implement and evaluate programs that meet the needs and interests of youth ages 5-19 to engage them in positive, informal life-skill development activities using a variety of educational methods such as organized 4-H clubs, school enrichment, 4-H summer programs, and after-school programs.

This position also recruits, evaluates, trains and coordinates adult and teen volunteers.

In addition, this position will be responsible for supervising the overall 4-H program, which includes establishing and maintaining 4-H clubs within Gaston County, recruiting and training present and potential volunteers, managing clubs and special programs, and identifying resources to assist in conducting the 4-H program.

Responsibilities will include supervision of program staff and management of programs funded through grants and fees.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

The primary function of the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Gaston County Center is to translate research-based knowledge from North Carolina’s land-grant universities (NC State and NC A&T) into practical, real-world solutions that improve the lives, land, and economy of local residents.
Operating as a partnership between federal (USDA), state, and Gaston County governments, the Extension serves as the county’s educational outreach hub. It delivers non-formal education and technical assistance across four core areas: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Commercial Horticulture, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Consumer Horticulture and Natural Resources.

Situated just west of Charlotte, Gaston County blends rapidly growing suburban communities with deeply rooted rural and agricultural traditions. This backdrop creates a high demand for programming that spans traditional livestock and equine clubs alongside contemporary STEM, healthy living, and career-readiness initiatives. Natural assets like Crowders Mountain State Park and the Catawba and South Fork rivers offer rich local resources for hands-on environmental science, conservation, and outdoor leadership projects. Furthermore, strong existing pathways with Gaston County Schools open immediate doors for expanding high-impact school enrichment programs—such as embryology and financial literacy—to a wide variety of youth populations.

• Manage and grow the 4-H Youth Development program through clubs, afterschool programs, school enrichment programs, Super Summer, summer day camps, and traditional 4-H camps.
• Seek out sponsorships, grants, and other funding sources to support activities and programs.
• Ensure the 4-H program is accessible to youth across the county.
• Developing and maintaining 4-H clubs, special interest youth programs, and school enrichment programs.
• Recruiting and managing volunteers as well as evaluating and reporting impacts of program efforts.

• The successful candidate will have a background in digital skills and environmental and animal science to focus on developing those skills in county youth. The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic with skills in leadership, communication, grantsmanship, public relations, planning, implementation, and evaluation. As a member of the Gaston County Extension staff, the individual in this position will recognize the importance of teamwork and fully support the total Extension program.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Volunteer recruitment and development experience as well as program development skills will be important. The applicant must be self-directed and possess a strong work ethic.

Experience in grant writing and management preferred.

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Not Applicable

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, evenings and weekends as required. 40 Hours Per Week

One of the following educational requirements: – A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor’s degree. – A Bachelor’s degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or – Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.

The successful candidate must have experience working with various audiences. Also a Bachelor’s degree in child or youth development or related field. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and be able to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities. Candidates must be able to work proficiently on an individual basis but be an effective leader as well as subordinate in any situation requiring team effort. The successful candidate will possess the pertinent social skills to communicate effectively.

Knowledge of the developmental needs of children ages 5-19 is a plus

Valid Driver’s License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver’s license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

Yes

No

No

Minimum Bachelor's $40,000; Minimum Master's $45,000; Minimum Doctorate $50,000 Commensurate with experience

No

08/10/2026

https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/233173

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks as well as county-required background checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
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