Extension Associate
Louisiana State University
Extension Associate
Louisiana State University
Public research university in Baton Rouge, LA
Work Location: LSU Main Campus, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Statewide Responsibilities)
Position Description: The LSU AgCenter seeks a highly motivated and dynamic individual to serve as the 4-H Shooting Sports and Livestock Extension Associate within the Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program. This position provides statewide leadership, coordination, and support for youth educational programs focused on livestock, shooting sports, ATV safety, and related workforce development opportunities.
The candidate will work closely with the State Shooting Sports Coordinator, State 4-H Animal Science Specialist, parish extension agents (ANR and 4-H), certified volunteers, industry leaders, commodity organizations, and university faculty to strengthen and expand program opportunities for Louisiana youth. This position plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality educational experiences that promote positive youth development, leadership, responsibility, life skills, sportsmanship, animal welfare, and safe participation practices.
About Louisiana 4-H: Louisiana 4-H reaches thousands of youth annually through programs focused on leadership, citizenship, healthy living, STEM, agriculture, animal science, natural resources, and workforce development. Through hands-on learning experiences and dedicated volunteers, Louisiana 4-H prepares young people to become responsible, productive, and engaged citizens that are Beyond Ready for life.
Qualification Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural education, wildlife management, natural resources, youth development, agricultural leadership, extension education, or a closely related field.
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Education, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources, Youth Development, Agricultural Leadership, Extension Education, or a closely related field.
Experience working with youth in educational, agricultural, outdoor, or volunteer-based programs.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with youth, volunteers, extension personnel, and external stakeholders.
Ability to travel extensively throughout Louisiana and occasionally out of state.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by program needs.
LSU and the AgCenter are dedicated to fostering an environment where our employees feel appreciated for their skills and individual qualifications. If a candidate does not meet the minimum qualifications listed but has other qualifications or substantial experience related to the key responsibilities, we encourage them to apply (per La. RS 42:36).
Preferred Qualifications: Preference will be given to candidates with:
• Experience in 4-H, FFA, shooting sports, livestock, outdoor education, or youth development programs.
• Shooting Sports instructor certification or willingness to obtain certification.
• Knowledge of livestock production systems and animal science principles.
• Experience coordinating educational events, contests, trainings, or volunteer programs.
• Experience with program evaluation, event management, and educational curriculum development.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience working with diverse audiences.
• Strong technology and communication skills, including experience with Microsoft Office, online registration platform (4-HOnline), and social media outreach.
Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some child care and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year, typically includes a week off at Christmas), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Date Available: Upon completion of the selection process.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is identified.
Application Procedure: Qualified candidates must apply online at https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU (or through Workday for internal applicants) by attaching file(s) containing a curriculum vita, a letter of application, official university transcripts, and three letters of professional references. Questions about the online application system should be directed to the HRM Office at 225/578-0324. (Paper, faxed, or emailed application materials will not be accepted.) In lieu of attaching the letters of reference, they may be sent directly to:
Dr. Todd A. Tarifa
Department Head, Louisiana 4-H Youth Development Program
Associate Director for Youth Development (4-H/FFA)
LSU AgCenter
102 Efferson Hall
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Phone: 225-578-2196
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.lsuagcenter.com
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and applications will be accepted without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. Information on Equal Employment can be obtained from the EEO and Civil Rights Coordinator, 103 J. Norman Efferson Hall, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA 70803. Phone 225.578.2258. It is the policy of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service to employ only United States citizens or aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States.
The LSU Agricultural Center is a statewide campus of the LSU System and provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
Skills Needed:
Preferred Skills:
Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.
Benefits - The LSU AgCenter has an attractive benefits package with a wide variety of benefit options. Benefits offered include retirement, multiple medical insurance options, supplemental insurances (dental, life, long-term disability, accident, vision, long-term care, etc.), Tax Saver Flexible Benefits Plan (saves tax dollars on some childcare and medical expenses), university holidays (14 per year), generous annual (vacation) and sick leave benefits, Employee Assistance Program, and possible educational leave and tuition exemption for coursework at campuses of the LSU System. Specific benefits depend on job category, percent effort and length of employment.
Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.
The LSU AgCenter, is one of eight campuses within the broader LSU enterprise (LSU System). The LSU AgCenter includes the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, which conducts agricultural-based research, and the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, which extends the knowledge derived from research to the people of the state. The AgCenter is headquartered in Baton Rouge and has 12 “on campus” academic departments and five regions which are made up of 15 branch research stations and an extension office in each parish. For more information, visit the AgCenter’s website at www.lsuagcenter.com.
Questions or concerns can be directed to the LSU AgCenter Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-2258 or emailed [email protected].
Public research university in Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana State University (LSU) is a public flagship research university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Its academic mission encompasses undergraduate and graduate instruction, research, and public service.
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