Program Assistant I

Extension Program Assistant I

Utah State University Extension is seeking an organized, enthusiastic, youth-focused individual to serve as an Extension Program Assistant I on the Weber County 4-H team.

The Program Assistant will work closely with the Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator and other 4-H staff to provide high-quality 4-H opportunities for youth and families throughout Weber County. This position is a collaborative member of the county 4-H team, with assignments and responsibilities based on the priorities and needs of the overall Weber County 4-H program.

Weber County 4-H offers a wide variety of opportunities for young people through community and project clubs, camps, contests, events, and leadership experiences. Current program areas include horse, robotics and STEM, family and consumer sciences, livestock, leadership, and other youth interests. The Program Assistant does not need to be an expert in all of these areas. Instead, the position helps the 4-H team recruit and support the volunteers and leaders who bring knowledge, enthusiasm, and experience to these different programs.

A major emphasis of the position will be recruiting and supporting volunteers, strengthening 4-H clubs, supporting youth and families, coordinating events and activities, and helping the Weber County 4-H team successfully carry out its program priorities.

Rather than functioning as an independent program or primarily as a direct content-delivery position, the Program Assistant will work as part of the Weber County 4-H team to build the volunteer and organizational capacity needed to provide sustainable 4-H opportunities.

Responsibilities

Weber County 4-H Team Support

• Work collaboratively as a member of the Weber County 4-H team to accomplish county 4-H goals and priorities.
• Work under the direction of the Weber County 4-H Program Coordinator and help implement the overall county 4-H program plan.
• Coordinate responsibilities with other Weber County 4-H staff to ensure programs, events, clubs, and volunteer needs are effectively supported.
• Accept program and project assignments based on the changing needs and priorities of the Weber County 4-H program.
• Participate in regular team planning and coordination.
• Share information, resources, and responsibilities with other team members.
• Assist other 4-H team members during major programs, events, and periods of increased workload.
• Contribute ideas and solutions that improve the effectiveness of the overall Weber County 4-H program.
• Work collaboratively with Weber County Extension faculty and staff and the Utah 4-H State Office.

Volunteer Recruitment and Support

• Recruit adult and teen volunteers to support 4-H clubs, activities, events, and educational experiences.
• Help prospective volunteers identify opportunities that match their interests, skills, and availability.
• Assist volunteers with onboarding, orientation, training, and ongoing support.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers and help ensure they have the information and resources needed to be successful.
• Connect volunteers with 4-H curriculum, educational resources, training, and program materials.
• Help recognize volunteer contributions and support volunteer retention.
• Encourage experienced volunteers and teen leaders to assume meaningful leadership roles within 4-H.
• Work with other members of the Weber County 4-H team to identify areas where additional volunteers are needed.

Club Development and Support

• Assist with the development and support of community clubs and project clubs across a variety of 4-H interest areas.
• Help new clubs become established and help existing clubs remain active and sustainable.
• Provide ongoing support and communication to club leaders.
• Assist club leaders with planning, organization, communication, and other needs.
• Connect clubs and volunteers with county and statewide 4-H opportunities.
• Encourage youth leadership within clubs and help volunteers create meaningful leadership opportunities for youth.
• Work with the 4-H team to identify opportunities for new clubs based on youth interests and county priorities.
• Help volunteers lead programs successfully without requiring Extension staff to provide all direct instruction.

Youth and Family Support

• Serve as a resource for youth and families participating in Weber County 4-H.
• Help new families understand 4-H and connect youth with clubs, projects, events, and leadership opportunities that match their interests.
• Communicate county, regional, and statewide 4-H opportunities to members and families.
• Support youth participation in camps, contests, leadership opportunities, fairs, recognition programs, and other 4-H experiences.
• Help create a welcoming environment where youth and families feel connected to Weber County 4-H.
• Encourage youth to progress from introductory experiences into deeper involvement through clubs, projects, leadership, and other opportunities.

Program and Event Coordination

• Assist the Weber County 4-H team with planning and coordinating county 4-H activities, contests, camps, recognition programs, fairs, workshops, and special events.
• Coordinate assigned portions of programs and events under the direction of the 4-H Program Coordinator.
• Recruit and organize volunteers to assist with programs and events.
• Prepare facilities, supplies, equipment, schedules, and other materials.
• Communicate with youth, families, volunteers, and staff regarding upcoming programs and activities.
• Assist with county participation in regional and statewide 4-H programs and events.
• Support other team members with major county programs and events as needed.
• The Program Assistant may occasionally provide or assist with educational activities, particularly when helping establish a new program, supporting a volunteer, or meeting a specific team need. The primary emphasis, however, is supporting and expanding the capacity of the
• Weber County 4-H program rather than serving as the primary instructor for ongoing programming.

Program Communication and Administrative Support

• Assist with communication to 4-H members, families, volunteers, and the public.
• Help promote county 4-H programs and opportunities through appropriate communication channels.
• Maintain appropriate program participation and volunteer records.
• Assist with data collection, evaluation, and reporting.
• Help prepare program materials, educational supplies, equipment, and facilities.
• Assist with recognition of youth and volunteer accomplishments.
• Follow Utah State University, USU Extension, and Utah 4-H policies and procedures, including youth protection, volunteer management, risk management, and financial accountability.
• Participate in appropriate USU Extension and Utah 4-H training and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Weber County 4-H program.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Aptitude is required.
• Experience working with youth, volunteers, education, recreation, community programs, Extension, or related activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple activities and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with 4-H, Extension, youth-serving organizations, recreation programs, camps, clubs, or similar programs.
• Experience recruiting, coordinating, training, or supporting volunteers.
• Experience supporting clubs or other volunteer-led programs.
• Experience organizing youth programs, camps, contests, or events.
• Familiarity with positive youth development principles.
• Experience working as part of a collaborative program team.
• Experience communicating with youth, parents, and volunteers through email, social media, newsletters, or other communication methods.
• Experience or interest in one or more 4-H program areas such as horse, livestock, STEM and robotics, family and consumer sciences, leadership, outdoor recreation, or other youth development programs.