4-H Extension Educator - Perry County

Extension Educator

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional Extension Educator with a passion for positive youth development to help implement the Perry County 4-H program as well as support the statewide program. 4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through non-formal settings, such as 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs. Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches and mentors. This position is based at Penn State Extension, Perry County, New Bloomfield, PA.

The individual in this position works as a representative of Penn State University in the delivery of a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in a wide range of 4-H curriculum areas. This includes maintaining and expanding existing local 4-H club programs, supervising programs delivered by program assistants and volunteers, building community collaborations and partnerships, developing a revenue enhancement portfolio and creating a professional development plan.

Major responsibilities include:

• Implement educational programs, materials, and activities as part of the overall efforts of the Pennsylvania 4-H program and the identified needs of the local county.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support adult volunteers.
• Promote the 4-H program to retain current members and recruit new and diverse youth audiences.
• Provide leadership for efforts that harmonize urban and rural populations. This could include local food production and promotion, broadening the connection between urban and rural agriculture, strengthening economic development with education to help youth and adults with job training, community engagement, and leadership development, and food insecurity issues, and needs for first-generation 4-H families and those not previously served by Extension.
• Effectively, work with the County 4-H Program Development Committee to plan the local program including a fundraising strategy.
• Provide effective communication to volunteers, youth, and parents to ensure a quality experience.
• Foster relationships and develop partnerships with other youth-serving groups, schools, or organizations.
• Coordinate registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held in other counties, across the state, or out of state.
• Implement program evaluation, documentation, and reporting.
• Provide administrative oversight to 4-H volunteers, youth and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.
• Manage funds raised in the name of 4-H at the club and county levels.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates who have a degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, nutrition, community development, leadership or a closelyrelated field and who have 4-H experiences.

Required Qualifications:

• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.
• Candidate should possess teaching, program development, and evaluation skills, and demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public.
• The candidate must be able to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation.
• Candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree; No prior relevant work experience required; Required Certifications: None

Application Instructions:

In addition to the application, candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position and a resume.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.