Extension Program Assistant/Associate

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Check out this video on what it's like to work for NC State Extension.

No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! This is not your typical desk job!

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

* Paid time off

* Paid tuition

* Health Insurance

* Flexible Scheduling

* Retirement Savings

* Supplemental Benefits Programs

* WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition ( https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

The 4-H Program Assistant is a member of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Staff in Nash County. The Primary role of the 4-H Program Assistant is to provide assistance mainly to youth-related programming but is not limited to the youth-only subject matter.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit
North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

Nash County is a thriving community located just east of Raleigh and sits at the intersection of I-95 and I-87. The county seat and the Extension office are located in Nashville. As of the 2020 census, the population was 94,970. As of 2023, the biggest sectors in Nash County's economy were manufacturing, healthcare, social services, retail, food and accommodation services and education. Nash County comprises 11 municipalities, all varying in size. Rocky Mount is the largest city in the county with over 55,000 residents and a bustling economy.

The Nash County Cooperative Extension office is located at the Nash County Agriculture Center and is home to the Nash County Arboretum. Nash County Arboretum is made up of 11 garden areas and has been creatively designed, planted and maintained by NC State Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

Nash County Public Schools is the public education system serving the students of Nash County, North Carolina, with a commitment to academic achievement and student well-being.

Nash County has a long history of agriculture and is known as a leading agricultural county in the state. Nash has 133,252 acres of land in farms with 375 farms with the average farm size being 355 acres. Today, Nash County's top agricultural products are poultry, eggs, tobacco, and sweet potatoes.

Nash has seen huge investment in its infrastructure and facilities over the last couple of decades. As a result, its agricultural community is seeing growth in outdoor recreation, breweries, tournament sports and is becoming a hub for the arts and culture. Local attractions include children's museums, planetarium, historic sites, unique shopping experiences and an array of recreational activities.

To learn more about the NCCE Nash County Center go to https://nash.ces.ncsu.edu/

For more information on Nash County, you may visit their website at
https://nashcountync.gov/

Duties and Responsibilities
The primary role of the Program Assistant is to provide assistance to 4-H clubs and volunteers, conduct 4-H curriculum/school enrichment programs at schools for grades K- 12th (ages 5-18) and develop summer youth educational programs in accordance with the mission and priorities established by the National 4-H Council and in alignment with the mission and vision of N. C. Cooperative Extension. This position is responsible for expanding and developing programs to include under-represented populations.

Major duties include:

- Establishing new 4-H clubs and recruiting 4-H volunteers, particularly in under- represented groups within Nash County

- Assessing county needs with the 4-H Agent and other Nash Extension Staff

- Preparing specific program plans (writes objectives and conducts evaluations).

- Developing summer youth educational programs.

- Partnering with schools to deliver 4-H curriculum/school enrichment programs.

- Networking & soliciting community resources to expand 4-H programming and services.

- Recruiting and training volunteers and other personnel for program implementation.

- Reporting activities and program effectiveness to the 4-H Agent.

- Maintaining and increasing personal professional competence.

- Marketing program successes and generating support for program expansion.

The Extension Program Assistant cooperates with colleagues on the Nash Cooperative Extension Staff and county citizens in performing their assigned responsibilities.

The 4-H Program Assistant is expected to give program input in the following manner in order to maintain effective working relationships with county 4-H staffmembers by:

1. Communicating identified needs, interests and problems to 4-H staff members.

2. Evaluating the traditional 4-H programs and determining program objectives.

3. Preparing materials for teaching youth.

4. Designing, implementing and evaluating programs.

5. Studying immediate and long-range goals of 4-H.

The minimum requirement for employment with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension ( NCCE) is a high-school diploma or equivalent. Advanced training in related fields is preferred.

The Extension Program Assistant/Associate must have the ability to plan, organize, and work with adult volunteer leaders. They must have the ability to relate to and understand youth. They must have an interest in and understanding of the needs, problems, and attitudes of youth and adults.

The minimum requirement for employment as 4-H Program Assistant is a high school diploma or equivalent. Successful experience, as judged by demonstrated ability to plan, organize, implement and evaluate workshops, working with people as a volunteer and/or paid worker in a youth-oriented educational agency or organization, is highly desirable. Knowledge with the 4-H Youth Development Program is preferred.

Valid Driver's License and reliable, personal transportation required. Valid North Carolina driver's license is required within 60 days of hire and must be maintained.

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Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.