Associate Extension Agent, -H Youth Development - Carroll

Job Description

Carroll County is a progressive rural county in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, with a population of 29,801. The county borders North Carolina with Interstate 77 running through the county from north to south. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs across the southern part of the county. Carroll County consists of approximately 475 square miles, and much of the land is used for agricultural purposes including beef cattle production, pasture, vegetable and fruit production and Christmas trees.

There are 7 elementary schools, 1 middle school and 1 consolidated high school. The 4‑H program is active and well established in both the schools and also through organized community clubs. There is an active and supportive volunteer base for 4‑H. The extension office is located in the town of Hillsville, which is the county seat.

The 4‑H Youth Development Agent is a professional educator who provides leadership to the local 4‑H program and manages its day‑to‑day operation. 4‑H is a community of young people learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. The mission of 4‑H is to develop youth, and adults working with those youth, to realize their full potential and become effective, contributing citizens. This is achieved through the development and delivery of research‑based, non‑formal, hands‑on educational experiences.

Develops and delivers objective, research‑based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences, specifies program goals and objectives, and identifies resources needed; provides leadership for 4‑H Youth Development programs that meet the needs of all youth; identifies, recruits, trains, supports, and manages volunteers to implement and carry out the 4‑H educational programming in the unit; determines unit program needs by monitoring trends and issues, and conducting unit assessments involving the unit Extension Leadership Council (ELC) and other leadership committees;

networks and builds coalitions with other agencies, organizations and institutions to address the complex youth and family issues and the needs of the 4‑H program; coordinates day‑to‑day activities and events associated with the unit 4‑H program including 4‑H delivery (community 4‑H clubs, project 4‑H clubs, school enrichment 4‑H, after‑school 4‑H, special interest 4‑H, and 4‑H camping).

Individuals will be hired at the Associate Extension Agent title level. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment.

Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating Extension or non‑formal education programs;
Understanding and ability to conduct community needs assessment to determine program priorities;
Knowledge of child and human development. Excellent communication skills;
Basic knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs;
Program marketing skills;
Knowledge and willingness to involve and manage volunteers in program development and delivery. The expectation is that these duties and all others listed are to be completed in‑person with few exceptions for telework.

Extension Agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team‑oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and a strong desire to help clients succeed. The 4‑H Youth Development Agent provides leadership for the local 4‑H program in Carroll County, Virginia, developing and delivering research‑based educational programs that help youth build leadership, citizenship, and life skills. The agent manages day‑to‑day 4‑H operations, assesses community needs, recruits and supports volunteers, and collaborates with schools, community organizations, and other partners to expand youth development opportunities.

Key responsibilities include planning and implementing 4‑H programs, coordinating clubs, school enrichment activities, camps,…