K-State Seeks Johnson County 4H Youth Development Extension Agent
Posted on January 18, 2023
Position Title:
Johnson County 4H Youth Development Extension Agent
Position Summary
Program Focus: 4-H Youth Development
Location: Olathe, KS
Application Deadline: Feb 13
Johnson County is home to over 609,000 residents, serving a diverse and expanding population living in both urban and rural areas. As a member of the Johnson County Extension team, you will collaborate with the established 4-H community clubs as well as reaching out to new and underserved audiences. The two focus areas for this position include 1) leading a vibrant and dedicated adult volunteer group who facilitate the 4-H program to our community clubs 2) the development and management of youth agricultural and livestock educational programs. Johnson County is a multi-agent county with eight agents and ten support staff. The 4-H program consists of 17 community clubs supported by over 200 adult volunteers. Additional youth are served through school enrichment and after-school programs.
Duties/ Responsibilities:
Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively responsible to the Director of K-State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
1. Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming will include but is not limited to: agronomic and livestock production
agricultural economics, management, and public policy
horticultural production and management
and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
2. Co-supervise the Johnson County 4-H Youth Development team, including a 4-H program manager, a part-time school enrichment coordinator, and an office professional.
3. Successful extension programs require agents to:
a) Programming may include: First Impressions
Kansas PRIDE
community health promotion
leadership development
entrepreneurship
grant writing and management
and local food systems.
3. Successful extension programs require agents to:
a) Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water and natural resources
community vitality
health
developing tomorrow’s leaders
and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
b) Design appropriate educational strategies to engage clientele. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting
events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities
use of innovative technologies
individual educational consultations
and group facilitation.
c) Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
d) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
e) Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
4. Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
5. Serve as a member of the Johnson County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
- Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
- Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
- Familiarity with various ethnic and socio-economic audiences
an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds
and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State Research and Extension’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree.
- Commitment to personal and professional development.
- Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
- Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
- Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
- Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
- Skills in group facilitation.
- Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
- Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
- Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $43,000 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $47,000 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
- Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, eligibility for health and life insurance, and earn vacation and sick leave. For a complete list of benefits see: www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits.
- Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
- New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
- Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents
Apply online using our application site. For more information visit ksre.ksu.edu/jobs.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.