Visiting Assistant Extension Educator 4-H Youth Development

Search #: 499842
Work type: Full-time
Location: New Haven County Extension Ctr
Categories: Faculty Extension Educator

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Extension, New Haven County, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) seeks applicants for a full-time Visiting Assistant Extension Educator, 11-month position. This person will focus on 4-H youth development specifically in the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources literacy in New Haven County. State and multi-state programming may be expected. Additionally, this position will plan, deliver, and evaluate school-based programs to increase youth STEM knowledge and skills. The Visiting Assistant Extension Educator will report to the Department of Extension Head and will be based in North Haven, Connecticut.

The successful candidate shall expand an active 4-H youth development program with a focus on food, agriculture, and natural resources literacy. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the 4-H community club program in New Haven County, generate financial and in-kind resources to support 4-H programs, manage county-based 4-H volunteers, share responsibility with the Middlesex Educator, for conducting the annual Middlesex & New Haven 4-H County Fair, and actively contribute to the UConn 4-H Youth Development Team and its goals. Additionally, in collaboration with CAES, the successful candidate will plan, deliver, and evaluate school-based programs to increase youths’ STEM knowledge and skills, contributing to a better prepared scientific workforce. School-based programs may include school enrichment, in-school or after-school clubs, and special interest programs.

About the Department

The Department of Extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources works collaboratively with partners in all 169 municipalities across Connecticut, throughout the northeast region, and beyond. It is a non-tenure unit with 42 faculty and 33 programs and administrative staff. Additional grant-specific program personnel assist in solving problems and enhancing the wellbeing of our state population where they live, work, and learn. Faculty and staff conduct educational activities through eight-county/community-based centers and may be co-located with additional community/agency-based working partners.

About the University

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops, implements, and evaluates active extension programs on cutting-edge 4-H STEM related activities that foster state, regional and national recognition. Programming will be provided in support of 4-H community clubs, school enrichment, out-of-school programs, 4-H summer camps, 4-H volunteer development, and other areas as needed.

Teaches youth and adult audiences in support of UConn 4-H and CAES.

Works with UConn and CAES faculty, staff, scientists, and other partner organizations, in a multidisciplinary team environment to create and deliver age-appropriate program materials.

Creates partnerships with other agencies and organizations, including schools, and actively seeks out grants and funding sources to support innovative community programs and outreach efforts.

Creates scholarly materials appropriate for extension and CAES publications

Develops, implements, and evaluates adult and youth volunteer programs including recruitment, training, management, evaluation, and recognition.

Increase program visibility by effectively using available communication resources.

Designs training opportunities and effectively communicate with adult volunteers and teens to help them assume leadership, management, education, and information delivery roles in support of the 4-H program.

Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree in nonformal or formal education, including agricultural and extension education; food, agricultural, environmental or health related sciences; youth development; or associated fields.

Experience in educational program coordination and facilitation, that includes planning, organization, delivery, and evaluation.

Knowledge of teaching methods and processes that are appropriate for youth and adult audiences.

Demonstrated experience working cohesively with diverse audiences of youth, adults, and volunteers.

Experience developing partnerships with other professionals and organizations to accomplish team goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

At least three years’ experience working with K-12 youth in the areas of education, food, agriculture, environment, or health.

At least three years’ experience in managing or working with volunteers.

Experience with integrated Extension programs and the land-grant university system.

Demonstrated experience evaluating STEM programming and disseminating related scholarship through appropriate outlets, such as conferences and journals.

Experience publishing peer-reviewed scholarships, Extension reports, or articles in electronic media that communicate program impacts and results.

Experience in grantsmanship, particularly obtaining progressively larger grants and/or leading medium to large multi-disciplinary, multi-functional grant-funded projects.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is an 11-month, full-time, temporary faculty position with an anticipated start date of November 13, 2026. It is a non-tenure track appointment that is anticipated to end November 12, 2027. Renewal of this appointment is based upon performance and the availability of funding.

The successful candidate will work primarily at UConn’s New Haven County Extension Office located in North Haven, CT, with occasional travel to the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station located in New Haven, CT. Other related travel will be required including to the UConn Storrs Campus, other extension centers, and elsewhere in the state.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. The successful candidate will be required to have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for required travel, both in-state and out-of-state. The successful candidate may be required to work evening and weekend hours as required for the program.

The successful incumbent must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours; must have reliable transportation and a valid driver's license; and must possess adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and fitness to perform the required duties.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499842 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the stated minimum qualifications, and any preferred qualifications they may possess, in their application materials.

For questions regarding this position, you may reach out to the search committee chair, Jen Cushman.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on October 30, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Sep 30 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 30 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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