Natural Resources Youth Education Extension Specialist

Job Description

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment is seeking a calendar-year, restricted, Administrative and Professional (AP) faculty member to serve as Natural Resources Youth Education Extension Specialist. This is a highly active, statewide leadership role for an energetic, organized, and results‑driven professional who enjoys a fast‑paced, collaborative environment and enjoys building programs from vision to measurable impact.

The successful candidate will develop, coordinate, and deliver high‑impact youth education programming focused on Virginia’s forests, wildlife, water resources, and the sustainable use and management of these natural resources. Programming will be delivered across rural, suburban, and urban communities and will intentionally address the diversity of audiences, ecosystems, and natural resource challenges found throughout the Commonwealth.

This position requires a strong ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, balance strategic planning with exciting program delivery, and build momentum through partnerships. The specialist will work closely with Extension faculty and staff at Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) district and local offices. The position main location will be in Mount Crawford, VA (where main office for the NW District is located).

A core expectation of this role is the ability to actively steward partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry, and government agencies to expand capacity for youth natural resources education across Virginia. These partnerships will support program growth, resource development, and long‑term sustainability of Extension and 4‑H youth programming.

Examples of potential programming opportunities included development of a Youth Master Nationalist Program, expansion of 4‑H natural resources programming opportunities in clubs and schools, and support for youth natural resource competitions and experiential learning opportunities. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue and secure extramural funding and to document and communicate program outcomes and impacts to Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and foundation stakeholders.

The position reports to FREC Department Leadership and works closely with the CNRE Associate Dean for Extension, Outreach, and Engagement, CNRE faculty, and State 4‑H Leader and State 4‑H faculty. The position is ideally located in a VCE Extension office within the Northwest District, though location flexibility may be considered based on programmatic needs and the successful candidate’s profile.

• Lead, coordinate, organize, implement, manage, market, and evaluate youth natural resources education programming at the state and regional levels
• Collaborate across CNRE, VCE, and State 4‑H systems to deliver engaging, high‑quality youth learning experiences, youth natural resource events, competitions, and experiential learning programs
• Actively develop and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry partners, and government agencies to build statewide capacity for youth Extension programming
• Develop and deliver educational curricula, publications, and materials using web‑based, in‑person, and virtual platforms
• Secure extramural funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic partnerships to support Extension programming efforts
• Track, document, and report program outcomes and impacts in alignment with VCE and CNRE expectations
• Participate fully in the policies, programs, and initiatives of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
• Operate effectively in a high‑energy, multi‑tasking environment with multiple concurrent priorities
• Provide strong leadership within interdisciplinary Extension and youth development initiatives
• Support and mentor Extension personnel, volunteers, and partners engaged in youth natural resources programming
• Represent VCE and CNRE in nonprofit, foundation, professional, and agency networks related to youth…