Gordon County 4-H Youth & Development Extension Agent

Position Summary

This County Extension Agent position is responsible for managing the 4-H program in the county by providing educational programs for youth in 4-H club meetings, coordinating local activities, and preparing youth for projects and judging events. It serves as a UGA Public Service Faculty member and a member of the County Extension Staff. It is under the direction and leadership of the County Extension Coordinator and the Northwest District Extension Director.

This position requires frequent night meetings, some weekend work, and attendance at out-of-county meetings. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable private vehicle for official duty travel are required. Reimbursement for business travel will be provided. Transportation of others including 4-H Youth and Adult Clientele is also a common and necessary function of the job. 4-H competitions, overnight camps, and other events are conducted at district and state levels and necessitate travel and transport of participants.

http://extension.uga.edu/about/join/careers.cfm

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by February 14, 2025, will be assured full consideration; however, screening will continue until the position is filled.

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2267P

Working Title

Gordon County 4-H Youth & Development Extension Agent

Department

CAES-Northwest District CES

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

UGA Cooperative Extension was founded in 1914 to bring research-based agricultural information to the people of Georgia. County agents and specialists throughout the state share information on issues like water quality, profitability in agribusiness, family wellness, and life skills. County agents provide soil and water test kits and instruction, advice on safe pesticide use, publications, computer programs, and lessons in consumer skills to improve Georgians’ quality of life. They are the local experts in food safety, proper eating habits, child safety, and parenting. UGA Extension coordinates 4-H, Georgia’s largest youth program. Each year, almost 200,000 young Georgians participate in community projects, summer camps, and conferences on today’s issues while having fun and learning to work together. The leadership skills and values they learn in 4-H last a lifetime. UGA Extension reaches more than 2.6 million Georgians through education programs each year. Millions more rely on UGA Extension’s publications, educational news articles, and public television programming for advice and information.

College/Unit/Department website

https://extension.uga.edu/county-offices/gordon.html

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Commensurate with Experience

Anticipated Start Date

03/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

01/06/2025

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Other North Georgia Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Public Service Professional AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human/Youth Development, Sociology, Education, Agriculture, Family & Consumer Sciences, Recreation, or related area.
• A Bachelor’s degree is acceptable for a Public Service Provisional Faculty appointment (see Additional Requirements for more information on this provisional appointment).

Additional Requirements

Additional Requirements
Please see the UGA guidelines for Public Service and Outreach Academic Ranks at http://outreach.uga.edu/policies/appointment-and-promotion-guidelines/ for information regarding the Public Service Faculty ranks.

Progression towards earning an advanced degree is expected while in a provisional faculty position. When a public service professional receives an advanced degree, recommendation for a public service faculty appointment can be initiated according to the public service faculty appointment process (see “Appointment and Promotion upon Receiving an Advanced Degree” on page 17 of the Guidelines ).

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Ability to organize and carry out activities and manage educational programming for youth
• Demonstrated communication ability
• Skills in leadership and management
• Ability to design, coordinate, and teach educational programs to meet community needs
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member and engage with groups and committees
• Computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Ability to speak to/teach large groups of residents
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with county, district, and state staff, local government employees, and clientele
• Ability to show high standards of professionalism in personal contacts, appearance, and work habits
• Ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely through written and verbal communication

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

Yes

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

Yes

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

Yes

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

Yes

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides leadership for Program Assistants, volunteers, and teen leaders in delivering 4-H and Youth programs.
• Utilizes the expertise of and works closely with advisory groups, community leaders, public officials and representatives of intended audiences to analyze data, identify needs, and assist in developing educational programs.
• Develops a plan of work that is equitable in meeting the needs of the county’s varied socio-economic population.
• Develops and conducts relevant interdisciplinary programs with other staff members based on critical issues.
• Collaborates with other agencies and community groups to plan and implement programs.
• Conducts promotional efforts to expand the public’s view of extension programming.
• Utilizes current research data and information on emerging issues in program development and teaching.
• Demonstrates personal interest and involvement in the community by participating in and supporting civic/community activities/organizations and networking with community leaders.
• Makes timely and effective use of the skills of other county staff members, district staff, specialists and other resource people in planning Extension programs.
• Expresses and demonstrates an entrepreneurial spirit in obtaining extramural funding (i.e., grants, partnerships, endowments, etc.).
• Submits accurate and timely required program reports measuring impact of efforts.
• Responsible to ensure the EEO /AA Civil Rights/Equal Opportunity plan of The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service is followed in assigned program and that volunteers and clientele understand Cooperative Extension offers educational programs, assistance, and materials to all people without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.
• Expresses thoughts clearly and concisely through writing and speaking.

Percentage Of Time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Implements county annual plan of work by using a variety of creative and effective techniques or teaching methods and resources so that clientele can make informed decisions and/or behavior changes.
• Identifies, recruits, trains, involves and recognizes volunteers in planning, teaching and evaluating Extension programs.
• Targets specific audiences – (e.g., low income, aging, youth at risk) for educational programs addressing critical issues identified in plan of work ( POW ).
• Prepares and/or localizes mass media efforts.
• Uses web and internet to increase program outreach.
• Achieves and maintains skills in teaching, communicating and promoting Extension programs and demonstrates competence in delivery of up-to-date technical subject matter.
• Follows through on commitments and/or planned projects, making relevant adjustments if necessary.
• Uses the results of program evaluations and feedback in planning future programs and techniques used in implementing programs.
• Maintains an educator’s role in public policy education.
• Sets goals to improve the personal level of competence in relation to the requirements of the job. The individual will be given a position description by the CEC . At least on an annual basis, the agent working within the specific position will review the position description with the CEC to determine its relevance.
• Develops and pursues a continuous program of professional improvement, contributing toward public service faculty promotion, in relation to personal level of competence and changing requirements of the job. Professional improvement may include professional education, formal course work, in-service trainings, involvement in professional organizations, and other methods of professional improvement that are relevant to the position.
• Shows ability to promote teamwork and share ideas among all co-workers, leaders, district staff and specialists.
• Shows high standards of professionalism in personal contacts, appearance and work habits. As a professional, it is understood that the work effort may be extended past the eight (8) hour workday and forty (40) hour work week.

Percentage Of Time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Makes reports to appropriate publics, clientele and public officials through media, personal contacts and/or group meetings to provide information on progress of Extension programs. Coordinates reporting with other county staff members, when appropriate.
• Develops and uses a system for maintaining adequate records for reporting and evaluation purposes.
• Submits accurate, complete reports on time and provides supplemental documentation useful in evaluating and improving educational programs as needed.
• Plans ahead and cooperates with administrative assistants and other staff members to complete programs and coordinate arrangements.
• Budgets allocated funds so that equipment, supply, travel expenses and other program supports are within limits.
• Seeks additional resources for program implementation.
• Shows enthusiasm for job and projects a positive attitude during Extension programs.
• Participates in staff conferences regularly and uses them for planning and evaluation of joint activities. Expresses team spirit and cooperation.
• Demonstrates a willingness to develop computer skills to enhance Extension data management. Possesses or demonstrates willingness to develop adequate computer skills to enhance Extension data management and communication to publics.

Percentage Of Time

30

Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintains consistent and effective work habits to make efficient use of time and other resources.
• Performs specific tasks and assumes leadership for certain program areas as specified by the DED and CEC in a position description.
• Attends and participates in training sessions/activities overnight and on weekends as directed by the DED and CEC .
• Handles other duties as assigned.

Percentage Of Time

10

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Public Job Posting
   • Internal Job Posting
   • Agency Referral
   • Advertisement/Publication
   • Personal Referral
   • Website
   • Other
2. Do you have a bachelor's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
3. Do you have a Master's degree?
   • Yes
   • No
4. Do you possess a valid driver's license?
   • No Response
   • No
   • Yes

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information
4. Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Letters of Recommendation
2. Other Documents #1