Agent-in-Training (Visiting Instructor) – Pleasants County – Extension Service

Visiting Instructor (Agent-In-Training) –

Pleasants County

Description

Brief Description: The WVU Extension Service is seeking a dynamic individual who will implement a comprehensive Extension program in Family and Community Development (FCD) with a primary focus on community development and prosperity. This is a county-based position serving Pleasants County and supporting Extension activity in the region.

Pleasants County is a growing community and offers a variety of activities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy kayaking and fishing on the Ohio River and its tributaries, miles of hiking trails through parks and a national island wildlife refuge. The Pleasants County school system ranks 11th in the state, has a new state of the art high school, and hosts a tri-county technical school that offers 22 programs of study. Pleasants County also offers a quality of life characterized by access to a million-dollar aquatic center, a rich history and culture, and one of the lowest crime rates in the US.

Major Responsibility of the Family and Community Development County Extension Agent-in-Training

The expectation of the Agent-in-Training position is to provide the incumbent an opportunity to observe, learn and develop skills necessary to become an Extension Agent. This individual will also gain knowledge of Extension objectives, policies and procedures which will be helpful in meeting the qualifications required for Extension Agent-in-Training positions in the state. The position will work in concert with other Extension staff in delivering various aspects of the county Extension program. This position will be mentored by various Extension Agents and Specialists as training needs are identified. Evaluation of the position will be through the faculty review system.

This position's major responsibility is the interpretation and delivery of relevant educational information to the citizens of the county and region, with specific emphasis on efforts to ensure the application of this knowledge. This position will focus on developing and delivering programs in organizational and leadership development which support community education, wellbeing, and prosperity. The incumbent will collaborate with Extension personnel and community stakeholders to develop and deliver educational programs designed to promote community engagement, improve leadership capacity, and contribute to overall community health and wellness. Programming will be delivered to youth and adult audiences to achieve community and organizational goals.

As the Agent-in-Training will be the only WVU Extension personnel assigned to Pleasants County, the successful candidate will be expected to develop capacity to provide and support programming in other areas of WVU Extension efforts including 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources. In addition, the Agent-in-Training works cooperatively as the County Program Coordinator (CPC) to integrate their program efforts into the total County Extension program. The Agent-in-Training is responsible to the FCD Program Director for all programmatic and administrative matters, but will seek input from the 4-H Youth Development (4-HYD) Program Director when appropriate for matters related to 4-H. The amount of time which an Agent-in-Training spends in specific program areas and/or in program components is determined in concert with the Unit Director and will be based on identified county needs.

This position is to prepare the Agent-in-Training for assignment to a highly successful FCD Extension Agent position within the temporary assignment period. The incumbent must receive a master's degree in the allotted time to be eligible for full time placement as an Extension Agent. This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Assist Extension Service staff and volunteers in delivering various aspects of the overall extension program. This includes work in family and community development as well as collaborating with others in the areas of 4-H youth development and agriculture and natural resources and family and community development;
• Conduct needs assessments and issues identification processes that result in programs based on the needs of county citizens;
• Cooperate and collaborate with local, county and state agencies, coalitions, and organizations to enhance community leadership, planning, and development;
• Build partnerships and collaborate with local organizations, governmental units, and businesses to address issues that affect people throughout their lifespan and across their communities;
• Assure compliance with equal opportunity policies;
• Participate in professional development experiences offered by WVU Extension Service and other entities as appropriate;
• Perform other duties assigned in support of Extension programming; and,
• Research and write regular topical articles for newspapers, newsletters, and websites in collaboration with WVUES Communications.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in related field is required.
• Work history, or professional development experience, related to the position responsibilities.
• The academic capacity to successfully enroll and be accepted in a relevant graduate program to be completed within 36 months of employment start date.
• Personal vehicle and a valid driver's license.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Skills that demonstrate knowledge and expertise in an Extension education discipline, and the understanding necessary to communicate the knowledge and application to other disciplines.
• Knowledge of community development, community engagement, and youth development and the educational design skills to assess needs and issues.
• Ability to develop, deliver and evaluate comprehensive learning experiences that help diverse adult and youth audiences enhance their lives and communities.
• Information and technology skills necessary to reach and teach diverse audiences; work and communicate effectively; manage time and resources; and enhance one's ability to find, evaluate and disseminate information.
• Communication skills in listening, developing and conveying a clear, concise message appropriate for the audience and for working effectively with others, including working with the news media.
• Organizational management skills including the ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment, work flexible and extended hours, be comfortable with extensive travel and manage time and resources to efficiently accomplish the duties of the position.
• Familiarity with various audiences, and interest and ability to work with people of various backgrounds.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Knowledge of Cooperative Extension and the land-grant university system.
• Knowledge of, and appreciation for, community development, community engagement, and youth development.

Special Requirements:

• Ability to meet travel demands of position (occasional overnight stays), such as 4-H youth camps, conference, professional development sessions and training.
• Willingness to work flexible work hours including some nights and weekends.
• Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct training and perform duties of the position.

Position Assignment:

• This is a 12-month, full-time, faculty equivalent position.
• This position will provide family and community development programming in the Pleasants County. The incumbent will also serve as a subject matter resource person for regional and statewide programming as needed.
• Appointment is subject to approval of the assigned County Extension Service Committee.

Application Process:

If you meet the stated requirements and would like to be considered for the position, ALL of the following information must be submitted using https://careers.wvu.edu/career-opportunities :

• Cover letter indicating the position that you are applying for and outlining experience and qualifications.
  
• Resume or curriculum vitae including dates of employment, supervisor(s) name and contact information.
  
• Three (3) references (including address, e-mail and phone) who can reflect on your professional strengths.
  
• Undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) transcripts.

Applications will be reviewed beginning immediately and the search will remain open until the position is filled.

Special Notice: Upon completion of the application, screening and interview process, a candidate will be presented to the County Extension Service Committee for their consideration. Final placement of the Extension Agent-in-Training in is subject to the approval of the Pleasants County Extension Service Committee.

The WVU Extension Service is a primary outreach division of West Virginia University, embracing the heart of the University's land-grant mission. With offices in each of the state's 55 counties, Extension helps West Virginians improve their quality of life and solve problems through the application of research and evidence-based knowledge. Our educators and volunteers build and help sustain collaborations and partnerships with people and organizations across the state to improve their lives and communities.

Visit WVU Extension Service's website at www.ext.wvu.edu for additional information about our programs. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

At West Virginia University, we pride ourselves on a tireless endeavor for achievement. We are home to some of the most passionate, innovative minds in the country who push their limits for the sake of progress, constantly moving the world forward. Our students, faculty and staff make this institution one of the best out there, and we are proud to stand as one voice, one university, one WVU. Find out more about your opportunities as a Mountaineer at http://hr.wvu.edu.

WVU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff and students, and invites applications from all qualified individuals, including minorities, females, individuals with disabilities and veterans.