Extension Educator H Youth Development

About The Job

Working Title: Extension Educator – 4‑H Youth Development

Classification: Full‑time 100%, Assistant Extension Educator‑Youth Development (9621YD) or Associate Extension Educator‑Youth Development (9622YD);
Academic Professional (P&A)

Salary Range: $59,000‑$68,000 (9621YD); $68,000‑$75,000 (9622YD), typically for current 9622YD employees only; this is a salaried, not hourly, position

Reports To: Program Leader in Youth Development

Anticipated

Start Date:

May 18 - June 8, 2026

Final date to receive applications: March 24, 2026

Locations and Appointment:

• Jackson County Extension Office (City of Lakefield) – 100%
• Wabasha County Extension Office (City of Wabasha) – 100%

The 4‑H Extension Educator position is a community‑based academic professional of the University of Minnesota Extension. This position links University of Minnesota research and Minnesota residents by creating learning opportunities that address local needs.

This 4‑H Extension Educator position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4‑H Youth Development programming in the county. As a County 4‑H Extension educator, you will work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest;

youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents. 4‑H Extension educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.

• Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement – 40%
• Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan that reflects the demographics of the county/tribal community, addresses local needs and opportunities, aligns with the strategic direction of the MN 4‑H Youth Development program and leads to program growth and sustainability.
• Design, develop, and implement high quality, culturally‑relevant, impactful programs that support youth in learning and leading.
• Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach/facilitate youth and adult learning using relevant content and instructional best practices.
• Plan and manage the delivery of 4‑H clubs, camps, after‑school programs, showcase and fair opportunities, and other events and activities.
• Identify and implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of youth, volunteers, and staff with varying backgrounds and experience.
• Collaborate and partner with and build strong working relationships with other Extension educators, peers, department team members, county partners and stakeholders.
• Develop and support community partnerships that extend program reach and expand program impact.
• Establish and maintain an effective staffing plan including partners, volunteers, interns, and short‑term employees.
• Use established evaluation tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness, demonstrate value, and market the program.
• Other related duties as assigned.
• Volunteer Systems – 35%
• Establish and support a volunteer development system that builds the capacity and long‑term sustainability of the 4‑H program.
• Identify needs and opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
• Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
• Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and followed at all times; alert or report any concerns or variances from processes.
• Acknowledge and address problems that arise with volunteers and volunteer roles.
• Program Operations – 15%
• Manage and monitor compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including youth safety, risk management, and financial management.
• Manage, oversee and document the budget related to the County 4‑H program, including expenses, deposits, cash and check handling, asset…