Field Specialist -H Youth Development - Douglas County, MO

Position Overview

Assistant/Associate/Full Extension Professional – 4‑H Youth Development.

Location:

Ava, Missouri; primary service in Douglas County with service to Ozark, Taney, Christian counties; additional statewide as needed.

University of Missouri Extension 4‑H youth development programs help children and teens become caring, capable, competent, and contributing through progressive experiences over time. These programs focus on the broader developmental needs of youth using a human ecological approach.

The Field Specialist plans, implements, and evaluates positive youth and volunteer development programs.

This is a 12‑month, ranked, non‑tenure track appointment at the rank of assistant, associate, or full Extension Professional. Rank is determined at appointment based on qualifications and experience. The appointment will hold the working title of Field Specialist in 4‑H Youth Development.

Workload: 90% Extension teaching, 10% traditional service. The appointment is renewable annually at the discretion of the University; circumstances include performance, funding, and priorities.

• Implement community‑based 4‑H PYD programs, in‑school and after‑school programs, short‑term interest clubs, and enrichment activities.
• Use and recommend research‑based curriculum and teaching methods.
• Secure a culture of high‑quality service for all 4‑H members and volunteers.
• Provide leadership to 4‑H councils and committees.
• Recruit, develop, and train youth and adults to assist as leaders for implementing the 4‑H program.
• Conduct evaluations of the Missouri 4‑H programs.
• Ensure county youth and adults have opportunities to participate in extension programs.
• Apply for and administer local grants and other funding sources.
• Provide supervision and development to program associate(s).
• Other duties as assigned.

• Educate
  :
  Design, conduct, and evaluate educational programs, teaching research‑based information via meetings, courses, technical assistance, volunteer training, and other methods.
• Create
  :
  Develop innovative, research‑informed educational products, services, materials, curricula, presentations, and websites.
• Connect
  :
  Engage learners, stakeholders, volunteers, and communities; foster partnerships and connections to the University of Missouri System programs.

• Engage stakeholders to identify needs and collaborate with partners.
• Create an annual plan‑of‑work reflecting local needs; provide monthly reports to county councils, supervisors, and commissioners; attend at least one county council meeting each month.
• Collaborate on research projects with campus specialists; deliver findings through demonstrations, workshops, publications, and media.
• Complete administrative tasks with supervisors and local leaders.
• Demonstrate competency in communication, education, volunteer management, grant acquisition, teamwork, and professionalism.
• Provide timely, research‑based information during natural disasters or similar events.
• Represent the University on boards and committees as assigned.
• Participate in professional development events.
• Other duties to support the mission of MU Extension.

• Travel throughout Missouri and occasionally out of state; must have a valid Missouri driver's license, a legally operating vehicle, and a wireless telephone/device for University use. Travel expenses reimbursed as per policy.
• Events may occur outside regular business hours; expect to attend as needed.

Earned PhD or master’s degree at the time of appointment.

Candidates will be evaluated on hours of upper‑level coursework in fields such as child, adolescent, adult human development; education theory; organizational systems; community development/partnerships; and volunteerism.

Eligible for University benefits. Includes medical, dental, vision, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573‑884‑7278.