Extension Agent (4H/Youth Development, Harris County)

Job Title

Extension Agent (4H/Youth Development, Harris County)

Agency

Prairie View A&M University

Department

Cooperative Extension Programs

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Houston, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

This position will provide leadership for an effective educational program supporting families and youth in 4-H and Youth Development in Harris County. This position will be responsible for recruiting, promoting, managing and evaluating outreach educational programs and report the results. The Extension Agent will develop and work with committees that provide direction for Extension programs will work with community based organizations. This position is located in Harris County at 3330 Old Spanish Trail #B117, Houston, Texas 77021. 

This position is funded by a grant or restricted funds. Continued employment is contingent on the renewal of grant or restricted funding.

The salary is determined in accordance with the University’s compensation structure and will be commensurate with the candidates’ education and experience, within the assigned salary range for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing the planned educational programs and activities in assigned program areas which address critical issues and/or emerging needs in Harris County; Supports and assists in the implementation of educational programs and activities in program areas for which other staff members have assigned leadership responsibilities; Identifies, recruits, and trains local volunteer leaders to enable them to effectively perform their duties while serving on committees, clubs, and/or organizations; Utilizes a variety of teaching methods, strategies/techniques, activities, and materials in conducting educational programs; Complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Affirmative Action Plan of Prairie View A&M University in conducting Extension educational programs; Works with and supports Extension-sponsored groups such as 4-H clubs, community-based organizations, and master volunteer groups toward the achievement of increased participation and strengthening programs.

• Responsible for planning with committees, task forces, groups, and organizations to conduct educational programs and activities; Develops comprehensive outcome and output program plans which address base programs, critical issues, and clientele needs; Plans evaluation strategies for outcome directed programs and significant program activities; Plans regularly with the total staff to coordinate programming efforts; Coordinates and collaborates with other agencies, groups, and organizations to plan educational programs.

• Utilizes appropriate evaluation strategies/techniques to determine the progress of outcome programs and other program activities in reaching the objectives of the county program by providing training, consulting and technical assistance to youth, adults, entrepreneurs, homeowners, farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and/or community organizations; Utilizes evaluation results to make program revisions and modifications; Utilizes evaluation data and program outcomes to interpret program impacts to elected officials, key leaders, and stakeholders.

• Maintain appropriate communications with county, district, and administrative staff at PVAMU to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the county program; Prepares monthly, annual and special reports and outcome program summaries to demonstrate results of planning, program accomplishments, and changes in behavior resulting from the educational programs; Conducts multiple interpretation events for county and state elected officials to report on program accomplishments and outcomes; the responsibilities of the Extension Agent are performed in a professional manner through coordination and cooperation with other county staff members under the supervision of the Regional Program Leader; Understands job duties and responsibilities of an Extension Agent and accepts the responsibilities associated with the position; Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to get along with customers, co-workers, and supervisors.

• Develop a long-range professional improvement plan with the appropriate PVAMU-CEP Regional Program Leader and District Extension Administrator and appropriate input from Regional Program Leaders; Develops annual individual development plan which addresses short-term professional improvement needs and career goals; Participates in formal and informal training opportunities to increase knowledge and skills and maintain technical competencies; Participates in regularly scheduled county staff conferences to coordinate plans, activities, and joint work to promote staff teamwork and to make the best use of each agent’s time; Assists in the maintenance of files, mailing lists, membership rolls of Extension-related organizations, and inventories. Conducts annual performance review with each support staff member the agent is assigned to supervise or coordinates with other staff members with joint supervision responsibilities for the review. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field.

• Three (3) or more years of of demonstrated experience delivering educational programs for youth audiences.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to reside in county, have access to a personal vehicle, obtain or maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License, appropriate insurance coverage and travel connected with official duties (including attendance at meetings or events that may take place during the night, weekend or out-of-county).Travel allowance is provided.

• Ability to respond positively to policy, administration and supervision.

• Ability to cope with change.

• Ability to work with and through others is essential.

• Ability to function with minimum supervision.

• Knowledge of technology, tools and strategies to effectively market educational programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in applicable field including, but not limited to, education (extension/agricultural/non-formal), human development (child/youth), and social sciences or services (human/family).

• Demonstrated experience developing life skills in those ages 8 to 18 through 4-H or another youth development organization.

• Demonstrated experience conducting educational outreach through the Cooperative Extension System for youth, families and adult volunteers.

• Demonstrated experience in applying recruitment, training, and management to clubs, educational programs and/or volunteers or advisory groups.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and to work with all types of youth.

• Knowledge of relevant learning and youth development theories & practices.

• Technical knowledge in civic engagement, youth leadership, college preparation, STEM, and/or healthy living and the ability to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems.

• Ability to cooperate with others and build collaborations or partnerships across organizations and institutions.

• Ability to conduct educational presentations in English and Spanish.

Other Requirements:

• 8 am to 5 pm to include some evenings and weekends. 

Required Certifications/Licensures:

• This position will require travel and a valid driver’s license is required for the position.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.