Extension Agent, -H Youth Development; Assistant, Associate

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development (Assistant, Associate, or Full)

Special Instructions to applicants:

In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

NC State Extension extends research‑based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. Working for NC State Extension allows you to teach without being tied to a classroom and school bell. Check out this video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.

The position may be hired at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Agent level if the selected candidate meets the required qualifications.

The 4-H Extension Agent has primary responsibility for planning, executing, and evaluating effective and comprehensive 4-H programs that meet county needs and support the mission of 4-H: developing youth and adults working with those youth to realize their full potential through research-based, non-formal, hands‑on education. The Agent cooperates with colleagues in North Carolina Cooperative Extension and county leaders. The Agent leads the total 4-H program, determining programming needs, planning, marketing, implementation, and evaluation.

The Agent also trains 4-H volunteers, supports 4-H clubs, and provides opportunities for school‑based 4-H programs.

• Ensure that principles of positive youth development are used across programs, assuring qualified adult leadership, appropriate curriculum, and program evaluation.
• Recruit, train, manage, and recognize volunteer leaders who guide 4-H clubs and plan events.
• Raise funds to support youth participation in events and volunteer development.
• Manage a county‑wide 4-H advisory council of alumni, volunteer leaders, youth, and county leaders.
• Develop a marketing and recruiting program to attract youth and volunteers from all sectors of the county.
• Maintain program administration records and ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulations.

40 hours/week. Work may include nights, weekends, and after‑hours as needed.

• A bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 in child or youth development or related field. GPA requirement waived for NCCE Program Associates with a bachelor’s degree.
• or a bachelor’s degree and completion of at least one‑half of coursework in a master’s degree program with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in child or youth development or related field.
• or a master’s degree with a major in child or youth development or related field.

• Master’s degree in child and youth development or education.
• Experience developing and/or managing community gardens for youth programming.
• Experience planning programs in varied communities, including urban areas.
• Experience working effectively as a team member.
• Knowledge in mass media, marketing, and presentations.
• Skills in leadership, citizenship, budget management, and public relations.
• Experience recruiting, training, and supervising volunteer leaders.
• Experience writing grants to support programs.

• Work independently without direct supervision.
• Communicate effectively with broad populations.
• Manage time, program, financial, and human resources.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Office, Google Workspace).
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Handle multiple demands and set priorities.
• Travel and work after‑hours and weekends as needed.
• Network with community partners and maintain relationships.
• Lift and carry training supplies, publications, and equipment needed for training and youth programs.

Valid North Carolina driver’s license required. Commercial driver’s license not required. Physical fitness not required.

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Retirement savings
• Supplemental benefits programs

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. NC State University participates in E‑Verify.