Area County 4-H Agent in Agricultural Literacy

TITLE: Area County 4-H Agent in Agricultural Literacy

DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension            

REPORTS TO:  Associate Extension Administrator    

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The mission of 4-H is to develop youth and adults working with those youth, to realize their full potential becoming effective, contributing citizens through participation in research-based, non-formal, hands-on educational experiences. The Area County 4-H Agent in Agricultural Literacy position will be responsible for implementing educational programs and initiatives aimed at developing an understanding of agricultural literacy among high school and middle school students, in Kentucky. This position will primarily focus on project-based efforts in collaboration with agriculture and biology teachers, home schoolers, and FFA clubs, which encompass a wide array of agricultural topics, including high tunnel and greenhouse production, animal care, agricultural business, agritech, AI (Artificial Intelligence), environmental science, horticulture, aquaponics, hydroponics, and agroecology. The position will collaborate closely with schools, educators, community colleges, and local communities to enhance students' knowledge of the sources of food and fiber and foster an appreciation for sustainable agricultural practices.  Six positions will be hired, with each position responsible for a region of Kentucky including, Louisville, Lexington, Covington, eastern, central, and western Kentucky regions. This position will serve all clientele ensuring that all youth and adults have equal opportunity to participate in Extension programs regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, or age.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

•    Develop comprehensive and engaging educational materials, curricula, and hands-on activities related to various agricultural disciplines ace-to-face 4-H educational programs in the county to meet the needs of diverse, underrepresented audiences, including Limited English Proficient youth. These materials should cover high tunnel and greenhouse production, animal care, agribusiness, agritech, AI in agriculture, environmental science, horticulture, aquaponics, hydroponics, and agroecology.

•    Design and implement project-based learning experiences that allow students to gain practical knowledge and skills in agriculture. These projects should foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

•    Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions for teachers, educators, and community stakeholders to equip them with the necessary tools to integrate agricultural literacy into their classrooms and programs effectively.

•    Facilitate programs that introduce students to high tunnel and greenhouse production techniques, including crop cultivation, sustainable farming practices, and advanced technologies.

•    Develop educational modules to educate students about proper animal husbandry, ethical animal care, and the importance of animal welfare in agriculture.

•    Foster students' understanding of agricultural business principles, innovative technologies, and the use of AI in agriculture to enhance productivity and sustainability.

•    Promote awareness of environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices through horticultural, aquaponics, and hydroponics projects.

•    Enhance students' understanding of agroecology concepts and practices that foster ecological balance in agricultural systems.

•    Participate in community events, agricultural fairs, and other relevant activities to increase public awareness and support for agricultural literacy programs.

•    Track program effectiveness and collect relevant data to evaluate the impact of agricultural literacy initiatives on students' knowledge and attitudes towards agriculture.

•    Seek funding opportunities, write grant proposals, and secure resources to support ongoing agricultural literacy projects and initiatives.

•    Works collaboratively with Extension specialists and associates in the piloting and implementation of horticulture relevant programs.

•    Serve as link between researchers and specialists and the local communities served.

•    Demonstrate personal interest and involvement in community by participating in and supporting civic/community activities/organizations and networking with community leaders.

•    Work with community colleges to offer 4-H programing to children of students attending community colleges. 

•    Establishes, maintains, and updates files, databases, records, and/or other documents; develops and maintains data, and performs routine analyses and calculations in the processing of data for recurring internal reports.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

•    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Agricultural Education, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Horticulture, or a related field. Must have own transportation. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

•    Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating participatory Extension or non-formal education programs. Experience working with diverse populations. 

•    In-depth knowledge of various agricultural disciplines, including high tunnel and greenhouse production, animal care, agribusiness, agritech, AI in agriculture, environmental science, horticulture, aquaponics, hydroponics, and agroecology.

•    Proven experience in curriculum development and designing educational programs for students of varying ages and backgrounds.

•    Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire students, teachers, and community members.

•    Strong project management and organizational abilities to effectively execute and oversee multiple initiatives.

•    Familiarity with modern educational techniques and project-based learning methodologies.

•    A passion for promoting agricultural literacy and sustainable agricultural practices.

•    Ability to collaborate effectively with schools, educational institutions, and community partners.

•    Proficiency in utilizing technology and educational tools to enhance learning experiences.

•    Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to schools and events within the area.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

•    Work involves some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 

•    Requires some standing or walking. 

•    Ability to lift 40 lbs. required.

•    This position requires some night meetings, weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings. 

•    A valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle for official duty travel are required. Mileage will be reimbursed at a rate established by the university.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.