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Extension Educator 4-H Animal Science
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Position Number: 2644453
Location: Waynesburg, PA
Position Type: Agriculture - Animal Science

Extension Educator 4-H Animal Science

Penn State Extension seeks an innovative, energetic professional to support the delivery of programs in Greene and Washington Counties, which focus on positive youth development and animal science with primary responsibility to the 4-H Youth Development Team. Non-formal educational opportunities will target both youth and adults through 4-H clubs, school enrichment, conferences, seminars, webinars, on-line courses, field meetings, field studies, written articles, and farm visits. They will integrate youth development principles of hands-on learning, positive youth-adult partnerships, developing life skills through programs that ensures best management practices for animal nutrition; promoting animal welfare and bio-security; and enhancing sustainable animal production. This includes maintaining and expanding existing local 4-H programs, supervision of programs delivered by volunteers, building community collaborations and partnerships, developing a revenue enhancement portfolio, and creating a professional development plan.

4-H utilizes hands-on activities to foster critical thinking, leadership development, and community engagement. Programs are delivered through non-formal setting, such as 4-H clubs, camps, school enrichment, and after-school programs. Volunteers play an important role in the success of these endeavors, serving as club leaders, coaches and mentors.

Major responsibilities include:

1. Design, develop, and deliver educational programs for youth and adults utilizing a variety of delivery methods such as presentations, workshops, demonstrations, seminars, meetings, webinars, online courses, digital learning, individual contacts, and social media. Educational programs will address identified needs of agricultural producers, marketing organizations, industry stakeholders, youth and communities. Design and implement evaluations of programs to assess the impact of education presented to participants.

2. Conduct individual educational consultations (business and farm visits) to evaluate agricultural production, management and business practices. Generate and provide alternatives to improve business management, water quality, environmental soundness, farm worker safety, animal well-being, productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

3. Develop and implement a high-quality youth program through the 4-H Club model as well as other delivery methods such as afterschool, school enrichment, and day camps incorporating components of the 4-H Thriving Model of Positive Youth Development. Primary program areas include animal science, companion animals, and quality animal management. In addition, plan and conduct volunteer training to strength quality educational components at the 4-H club level.

4. Collaborate with other Extension professionals for program planning, delivery, and evaluation. In addition, build partnerships and collaborations in the community and state to support the educational mission of Extension programs. This includes agriculture advisory boards, 4-H Program Development Committees, Extension Councils, fair boards, cooperatives, commodity organizations, schools, ag industry representatives, etc. Provide leadership for programs/initiatives which help to translate agricultural production practices, animal care and welfare and food processing methods to non-farm populations.

5. Participate in Program Development Process (PDP) work with Program Team Leader and to define priorities, including a robust, diverse product mix, that aligns with stakeholder needs and organizational priorities and includes a robust, diverse product mix which aligns with stakeholder needs and organizational priorities. Work with Program Team Leaders and team members to produce the products documented in the PDP outputs.

6. Develop revenue enhancement strategies, such as grants, contracts, sponsorships, fundraising, program/product fees to obtain additional resources to deliver educational programs through traditional and new technological methods.

7. Direct and coordinate the Greene County 4-H program and support the Washington County 4-H Program. Provide administrative oversight to 4-H volunteers, youth and clubs to ensure that policy and procedural expectations are followed.

8. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programs and Area 4-H Educator.

The position will be filled at an Extension Educator 2 or 3, depending upon the successful candidate's competencies, education, and experience. Typically requires a Bachelor's degree or higher; Master's degree preferred plus one years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. Preference will be given to candidates who have a degree in animal science, youth development, or closely related field and who have 4-H experiences. Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.

Candidate should possess teaching, program development and evaluation skills, and demonstrate positive human relations and effective communication skills necessary to work effectively with youth, parents, leaders, government officials, and the general public. The candidate must be able to be able to carry equipment and educational materials and supplies, with or without accommodation.

This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. The candidate also must possess a valid driver's license and have use of a private vehicle. This position requires operating a motor vehicle as part of the job duties, successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to the three clearances. Candidates must also be willing to work flexible hours. The position will be based in Greene County, Waynesburg, PA.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/job/Greene/Extension-Educator-4-H-Animal-Science_REQ_0000022333-1

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.