Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Wise County

Job Description

Wise County is located in the far southwestern corner of the Commonwealth. It covers 400 square miles with a population of just over 38,000. The economy has been heavily coal-based for the past few decades, although mining activity has declined significantly. Apple orchards were historically the number one agricultural product prior to surface mining. Today, agriculture is diverse and growing in the county, ranging from beef cattle and sheep production to fruits and vegetables to non-timber forest products, and the abundance of public lands has led to the county being recognized for its eco-tourism opportunities.

Unique natural features of Wise County include 4223-foot High Knob, the Pine Mountain ridge on the Kentucky border and the Clinch River, often touted as the most biodiverse river in the Northern Hemisphere.

Wise County has three high schools (Central, Eastside and Union), three primary schools, three middle schools and two elementary/combined schools. The county seat is home to the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Mountain Empire Community College is in Big Stone Gap, at the southwestern edge of the county.

The 4-H program is largely school-based with a strong Teen Club and over 90 youth who attend 4-H Camp in the summer. The program focuses on livestock, environmental education and leadership development, with strong volunteer support.

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.

Responsibilities: 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.

Virginia Tech has an excellent benefits package, including graduate tuition waiver.

Extension agents recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation and are responsible for VCE’s civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action.

Required Qualifications

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; strong desire to help clients succeed. Extension agents recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation, and are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's Degree is preferred

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

Commensurate with Education and Experience

Review Date

March 1, 2021

Additional Information

The successful Candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Danny Peek at dpeek@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: February 8, 2021
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