Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional Extension Educator with a passion for positive youth development to help implement the Fayette County 4-H program as well as support the statewide program.  

4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through non-formal settings, such as 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs. Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches and mentors. This position is based at Penn State Extension, Fayette County, Uniontown, PA.

The individual in this position works as a representative of Penn State University in the delivery of a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in a wide range of 4-H curriculum areas. This includes maintaining and expanding existing local 4-H club programs, supervising programs delivered by program assistants and volunteers, building community collaborations and partnerships, developing a revenue enhancement portfolio, and creating a professional development plan.

Major responsibilities include:

• Implement educational programs, materials, and activities as part of the overall efforts of the Pennsylvania 4-H program and the identified needs of the local county.
• Recruit, screen, train, and support adult volunteers.
• Promote the 4-H program to retain current members and recruit new and diverse youth audiences.

• Provide leadership for efforts that harmonize urban and rural populations. This could include local food production and promotion, broadening the connection between urban and rural agriculture, strengthening economic development with education to help youth and adults with job training, community engagement, and leadership development, and food insecurity issues, and needs for first-generation 4-H families and those not previously served by Extension.

• Effectively, work with the County 4-H Program Development Committee to plan the local program including a fundraising strategy.
• Provide effective communication to volunteers, youth, and parents to ensure a quality experience.
• Foster relationships and develop partnerships with other youth-serving groups, schools, or organizations.
• Coordinate registration, supervision, and transportation for participants in 4-H youth events held in other counties, across the state, or out of state.
• Implement program evaluation, documentation, and reporting.
• Provide administrative oversight to 4-H volunteers, youth and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.
• Manage funds raised in the name of 4-H at the club and county levels.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

Required Qualifications:

• Possess teaching, program development, and evaluation skills.
• Demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public.
• Able to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation. 
• Willing to work flexible hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in youth development, agriculture, communication, education, nutrition, community development, leadership or a closely related field.
• 4-H experiences.
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
No prior relevant work experience required
Required Certifications:
None

Application Requirements:

In addition to the application, candidates should submit a cover letter expressing their interest and qualifications in the position and a resume.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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