Extension Field Specialist - STEM School Enrichment for Educators & Youth

This position is located at UNH Extension’s Hillsborough County office in Goffstown, New Hampshire.

The position will lead the development of a comprehensive 4-H STEM literacy pathway that integrates agricultural science, food systems, environmental and natural resources, engineering, technology, computer science, and other emerging STEM fields. The specialist will identify needs; establish priorities; and develop, market, implement and evaluate high-quality school enrichment and educator professional learning opportunities for both formal and non-formal educational settings. The pathway will include content-rich learning experiences throughout the 4-H program year, as well as career exploration and workforce development opportunities that connect youth and educators to STEM-related industries, higher education pathways, and real-world applications relevant to New Hampshire communities. The position will also provide oversight and strategic direction for the New Hampshire Agriculture in the Classroom program as a key component of broader STEM and science literacy efforts.

As a member of the Youth and Educators in Science Area of Expertise (AoE) team, the field specialist will collaborate with Extension colleagues across other areas of expertise (e.g., Beyond Ready Leadership and 4-H Community Youth Development), as well as with Extension program teams including Food and Agriculture and Natural Resources, and faculty and staff throughout the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture and the broader university. This collaboration will strengthen statewide STEM education capacity, support educator professional development, expand school enrichment opportunities, and create meaningful youth pathways from STEM exploration to opportunities within UNH as well as career readiness. As a member of the Hillsborough County 4-H team, the field specialist will also provide support for county-wide programming and will have occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities

Educator Capacity Development in STEM (40%)

• Develop and support educator capacity-building experiences across multiple STEM disciplines, delivery modes (formal and non-formal) and various access points (age and grade levels).
• Oversee Granite State Green Community of Practice, supporting members from UNH/Extension faculty, community and industry partners to identify and develop experiences and opportunities that engage educators with various STEM experiences within UNH, N.H., and beyond.
• Partner with community organizations and industry partners to expand internship and practicum opportunities in STEM Education for youth.
• Support the development and support of classroom volunteers in best practices in STEM Education.

Pathway Touchpoints in Agriculture Science for Educators and Youth (30%)

• Develop school-based STEM experiences that bridge N.H. communities with UNH campus.
• Develop 4-H STEM academic and career connection opportunities that expose youth to potential future pathways, including leadership of Granite State Green Teen Ambassador program.
• Develop and coordinate state, regional and/or national events and opportunities.
• Ensure programmatic involvement of various audiences and that all educational programming is conducted in full accordance with civil rights, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policies and procedures.

Facilitate 4-H Agriculture Education partnership opportunities through Agriculture in the Classroom (15%)

• Partner with internal Extension and external community organizations to expand resources and opportunities (e.g., Food Alliance, Farm Bureau, Citizen Science, NH Science Educators Forum, Future Farmers of America/FFA).
• Collaborate with faculty and industry partners to identify and develop experiences that engage 4-H youth and educators with agricultural science career and academic pathways at UNH, in N.H., and beyond.
• Identify and apply for external grant support to enhance environmental science program delivery for formal and non-formal learning experiences.

Organizational Leadership and Support (10%)

• Serve as the UNH Extension county office administrator (COA) in the Hillsborough County Extension office when the need is identified and as advised by the program team leader and Extension administration. Work with state partners and other Extension 4-H youth development and education staff to ensure programmatic needs of the 4-H STEM literacy pathway are fully met during COA service. The COA develops and maintains relationships with county administrators, department heads, commissioners, and delegation members, and is responsible for facility and equipment management, office budget management, and supervision of administrative assistants, interns and other part-time or temporary employees. COA job responsibilities usually account for 20% of the employee’s time. If the field specialist is appointed COA, their organizational support time is reduced during their COA service.
• When it is another colleague’s time to serve as COA, support that person in the performance of their duties and carry out appropriately delegated responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Development (5%)

• Develop and implement a professional development plan to maintain and enhance competence in appropriate disciplines and professional skills such as leadership, group process and facilitation, use of technology and instructional design.

Requirements

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Master’s degree or higher in appropriate discipline and at least two years of related experience. A strong candidate with a bachelor's degree in appropriate discipline and at least three years of relevant experience may be considered if they are willing to obtain a master’s degree within seven years of hire.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• High degree of subject matter competence in sustainable agriculture and foods systems, environmental science, natural resources, youth development, and community development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with coworkers and clients with a variety of values and interests and of all ages, race, ethnic backgrounds, income, and education levels.
• Availability to work some nights and weekends.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, both locally and statewide. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to work with minimum supervision, handle multiple demands, and set priorities.
• Experience or familiarity with Extension programs.
• Demonstrated competency in developing and delivering educational programs.
• Knowledge of span of agricultural science areas (natural resources, plant and soil science) and ability to identify potential industry/community supports for program pathway experience development and growth.
• Experience as formal educator in K-12 classroom, including experience training educators and volunteers to support classroom learning.
• Experience in conducting needs assessment and evaluation methods. 

Applicant Instructions: 

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the My Experience: Resume/CV section of the application:

(Maximum of 5 Documents - additional documents can be added to the Application Questions section of the application)

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.

Please be advised that this position is supported by external sponsor funding. As such, continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability of those external funds. If, for any reason, the sponsor funding is reduced or discontinued, employment may be subject to modification or termination in accordance with applicable policies and procedures. 

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here:USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

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