4-H Youth Development Professional

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated 4-H Youth Development Professional to join our team serving Waldo County youth and communities. This position plays a vital role in strengthening and expanding 4-H programs through youth engagement, volunteer development, community partnerships, and experiential learning opportunities. Working collaboratively with the Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Center team, the successful candidate will develop and deliver educational programs that help young people build leadership, life skills, environmental awareness, and a sense of belonging. The ideal candidate will be passionate about positive youth development, skilled at building relationships with youth and adult volunteers, and committed to creating inclusive opportunities that support the diverse needs of Waldo County communities. Typical hiring range for this position is $45,000 to $48,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

Who We Are: 

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has been a vital resource for over 100 years, connecting communities with university research to improve lives across the state. Our focus areas include the Maine Food System and Positive Youth Development through 4-H programs, delivered by a network of experts based in county offices statewide.

We pride ourselves on being an equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable workplace, and we welcome diverse perspectives and experiences. We also believe in work and life balance and offer benefits to support you. Learn more about our mission and work at extension.umaine.edu.

Knowledge and Skill Qualifications We Are Looking For:

Required:

These are required knowledge and skills so be sure that you demonstrate how you meet each one in your resume or cover letter. 

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent (generally 2-3) years of experience. 
• Strong Leadership Skills: Ability to guide and inspire 4-H youth and volunteers, fostering a positive and educational environment. 
• Excellent Communication Skills: Proficiency in effectively communicating with youth, volunteers, and community stakeholders. 
• Volunteer Management Skills: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers, and working collaboratively with organizations like the 4-H Leaders Association and/or the Waldo Alliance for Mentorship. 
• Program Development and Implementation: Ability to design, develop, and deliver educational programs that address the needs of youth in Waldo County. 
• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing multiple tasks, including planning and overseeing logistics for local programming. 
• Community Engagement: Experience in building and maintaining relationships with schools, afterschool programs, and community organizations. 
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adjust strategies and plans to meet the evolving needs of the program and its participants. 
• Team Collaboration: Skills in working effectively with other Extension staff and community partners to achieve common goals. 
• Technology: Proficiency with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, as well as Google Drive and document management software. 
• Ability to travel both in and out-of-state, usually requiring a valid driver's license. 
• Ability to occasionally lift 30 to 50 pounds. 

Preferred: 

These are preferred knowledge and skills we are looking for but do not exclude you from the job if you don’t have this experience.

• Experience in Youth Development: Background in working with youth in educational or recreational settings, ideally within a 4-H or similar program. 
• Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, or a related field.
• Event Planning Experience: Familiarity with coordinating and managing logistics for large events and trips. 
• Cultural Competence: Ability to engage with a diverse group of youth and community members, fostering an inclusive environment. 
• Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Innovative approaches to overcoming challenges and enhancing program delivery. 
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Experience in securing funding and resources to support program initiatives. 
• Knowledge of 4-H Programs: Familiarity with the 4-H program structure and its impact on youth development. 

Benefits:

Benefits are an important part of your total compensation. The University of Maine System (UMS) strives to provide high-quality, affordable, family-friendly benefit options to meet the needs of our diverse workforce. We offer an excellent benefits package that includes paid time off (holidays, vacation and sick), health, dental, vision and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a tuition waiver program for eligible employees and dependents, a 403(b) retirement plan and more. 

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30pm on August 3, 2026

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair: Kristy Ouellette, [email protected] 

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

Clery Act  

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.