Extension Educator, -H Youth Development; STEAM​/AG

Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development (STEAM/AG)

University of Illinois Extension

As part of the Land Grant system, the University of Illinois was established not only to provide world class education and pioneer research and discovery, but to put learning and discovery into practice, to benefit the health and wellbeing of residents and communities in every part of Illinois. Extension is the university's statewide network of educators, faculty experts, and staff dedicated to that mission.

To learn more about University of Illinois Extension, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We will invest in our employees, our most important resource, by providing professional development and training that enables you to learn and grow to your full potential. We will strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for all our employees, regardless of role. Together, we will maintain a culture that promotes inclusivity, teamwork, and an environment that challenges and rewards our employees.

The Extension Educator serves as a full-time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension.

• Master's degree in Youth Development, Education, Community/Public Health, Leadership Studies, Agricultural/Environmental Sciences, engineering, or related field from an accredited institution of higher education. Master's degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master's degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.
• Evidenced knowledge of and experience with youth development best practices.
• Evidence knowledge and experience in STEAM & Ag best practices.

• Qualified youth development professional with experience in informal and educational settings, specializing in STEAM and agriculture-related programming.
• Experience with program planning for youth audiences.
• Experience working with youth from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and varied communication needs.
• Experience in evaluation and impact reporting of youth programs. Experience with University of Illinois Extension.
• Valid driver's license.

One full-time positions is available.

Location:

Unit 9 - Grundy, Kankakee, and Will Counties (Position will be housed in Kankakee County - Bourbonnais, IL) Additional positions may become available in other locations.

This is a security-sensitive position. Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

• Educate youth about critical youth development issues.
• Provide overall leadership to the entire 4-H Youth Development Program throughout multiple counties, focusing on 4-H Clubs, 4-H Groups, and Youth Education Initiatives.
• Ensure program planning, program monitoring, and program evaluation are consistent with local needs and statewide priorities.
• Guide all program expansion and program quality processes.
• Create higher ed, business and community partnerships to expand and support 4-H youth development program initiatives.
• Have expertise in youth development; youth program development; volunteerism; equity, access, and opportunity; partnerships; and organizational systems which is shared with others through trainings and professional development.
• Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality learning experiences designed to build youths' career readiness through Science, Technology, Art/Agriculture, and Math (STEAM/Ag) and Positive Youth Development experiences across Illinois 4-H education.
• Work with both youth and adults to strengthen community capacity to prepare young people for future careers, post-secondary pathways, and leadership roles.
• Collaborates with schools, employers, volunteers, and community partners to deliver programs that develop employability skills, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, innovation, professionalism, and adaptability.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, park districts, museums, forest preserves, and community centers, etc., to expose adults and youth to the field of science and technology.

• Strong communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team environment.
• Ability to build and maintain networks.

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain the competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource bases.
• Assess the needs of local clientele in a systematic and analytical…