Extension Educator, Youth Development - Animal Science; SW MN region

About the Job

Title:

Extension Educator, Youth Development, Animal Science

Job code: 9624YS

Employee Group:
Professional & Academic (P&A)

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Regular/Temporary:
Regular

Office location:
Extension Regional Office options of Marshall, Morris, or Willmar; another location near the Worthington area may also be possible. Work location determined s is an in‑person position, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available.

Estimated salary range: $64,000 - $78,000

Apply by: July 20, 2026

This regional Extension Educator, Youth Development (Regional Educator) works with a team of educators across a multi‑county southwest region and statewide to provide educational leadership for 4‑H Youth Development animal science and adult learning programs. Regional Educators lead programmatic efforts to create high‑quality learning environments where youth thrive. Placed on an academic promotion track, they use research‑based methods to design and manage programs, teach and facilitate learning, and contribute to the field through scholarship.

This position leads Regional Animal Science Programs and serves on the statewide function team to design and deliver local, regional, and state experiences that:

• Build leadership and animal science content knowledge.
• Reinforce scientific processes related to animal science.
• Guide post‑secondary education and career exploration.
• Expand reach to both existing and new audiences.

This regional educator reports to a Youth Development Program Leader who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4‑H Program Director. This position will work closely with the 4‑H Animal Science Program Director.

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southwest region:
Marshall, Morris, Willmar or another location near Worthington, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southwest region, and occasional travel throughout the state is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday. This position requires frequent attendance and participation at evening and/or weekend meetings, fairs, camps and related events; scheduled in advance.

4‑H Animal Science Program Leadership | 40%

• Lead the development of regional 4‑H Animal Science programs in collaboration with locally‑based 4‑H Extension educators. Ensure alignment with state Animal Science priorities while addressing local community needs and departmental goals.
• Design new and innovative program approaches to enhance local and regional 4‑H Animal Science education to prepare youth for work and life.
• Collect and use data to inform 4‑H Animal Science program decisions. Engage audiences and partners in developing data‑driven local program plans with goals and strategies that achieve program growth and audience retention.
• Collaborate with the state 4‑H Animal Science team to lead and support statewide programs and projects, such as animal science project bowl, project development committees, show committees, livestock judging, Minnesota State Fair animal science experiences, Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics training, and educational tracks at other Minnesota 4‑H events. Ensure youth in the region have access to and participate in state‑level programs and events, and serve as the region’s primary point of contact.
• Ensure University of Minnesota and Minnesota 4‑H policies and procedures, such as risk and financial management, are communicated in the region and consistently implemented.
• Manage the animal identification process in the region and support, guide, and advise local implementation.
• Secure and steward financial resources to support regional 4‑H Animal Science programming, including developing grants, sponsor ships, and partnerships; manage program budgets and ensure responsible use of funds in accordance with University and Extension policies.
• Facilitate solutions to questions, concerns, and issues related to program conduct.
• Additional related duties as assigned.

Extension Programming | 35%

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate 4‑H Animal Science programs…