Extension Associate - Aquatic Science

Extension Associate – 4H Aquatic Science & Youth Development

Department: Cooperative Extension Program

Reports To: 4H Program Leader

Classification: Staff-12 months

Effective Date: TBD

Standard

Work Hours:

37.5 hours per week

Location: On-Site Main Campus with State-Wide Responsibilities

Employment Status: Full-Time

Employment Classification: Exempt

The Extension Associate for 4-H Aquatic Science and Youth Development develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs that promote youth development through aquatic science and related disciplines as part of Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program. The position provides statewide leadership in developing and delivering educational programming that engages youth through experiential learning opportunities in aquatic science, aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, fisheries, sport fishing, environmental stewardship, and related subject areas.

The Associate collaborates with Cooperative Extension faculty and staff, county Extension offices, schools, community organizations, government agencies, and other partners to develop educational resources, conduct training programs, secure external funding, and expand educational opportunities for youth throughout the Commonwealth. This position requires regular on‑campus attendance to collaborate with faculty and staff, develop educational programming, participate in departmental activities, and support University initiatives.

Frequent statewide travel is required to deliver Extension programming and provide educational services.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate statewide 4-H Aquatic Science educational programs that promote youth development through hands‑on learning experiences.
• Plan and deliver educational programs using a variety of instructional methods, including classroom instruction, demonstrations, workshops, field activities, camps, conferences, webinars, and other educational formats.
• Develop curriculum, lesson plans, educational publications, fact sheets, instructional videos, digital resources, and other educational materials that support Extension programming.
• Coordinate and conduct aquatic science educational activities related to aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, fisheries, sport fishing, water quality, environmental stewardship, and related disciplines.
• Collaborate with county Extension personnel to strengthen local programming and expand educational opportunities for youth.
• Develop and conduct in‑school and out‑of‑school educational programs that promote leadership development, life skills, and career awareness through aquatic science education.
• Coordinate, plan, conduct, and evaluate professional development opportunities for county Extension personnel related to aquatic science and youth programming.
• Develop and deliver presentations for Extension agent trainings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Use appropriate technology platforms to develop and deliver educational webinars, online learning modules, educational videos, social media content, and other digital educational resources.
• Evaluate educational programs using appropriate assessment methods and maintain records demonstrating program outcomes and impacts.
• Develop partnerships with schools, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry representatives, and community organizations to strengthen Extension programming.
• Prepare competitive grant proposals and seek external funding opportunities to support aquatic science and youth development programming.
• Assist in administering externally funded projects and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Prepare reports, publications, educational materials, abstracts, and other scholarly or Extension publications that communicate program outcomes and educational information.
• Present educational programs and program results at professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and Extension events.
• Collaborate with faculty, Extension specialists, researchers, and staff on interdisciplinary educational initiatives.
• Mentor undergraduate students, interns, volunteers, and other program participants as assigned.
• Maintain effective…