EXTENSION SPECIALIST
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ANIMAL SCIENCE
Agent, Tenure/Tenure-Track Faculty
Search Number 071A40

Location: Maryland 4-H Center, University of Maryland                   College Park, MD 20740

The Maryland Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland, College Park, invites applications for the position of Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, with a core focus on state-wide educational leadership in the animal sciences.  This position is responsible to the Assistant Director/State 4-H Program Leader for meeting the mission and goals of the Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program and of Maryland Cooperative Extension and serves as a member of the Maryland 4-H Center Team.  MCE has faculty and staff located in 23 counties; Baltimore City; University of Maryland College Park and University of Maryland Eastern Shore; four regional centers; and the Maryland Sea Grant Program.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Provide programmatic leadership in the design, implementation, teaching, and evaluation of existing, new and innovative youth development program models that will provide positive youth development experiences for youth, with a specific focus on all areas of animal science.
• Collaborate and partner effectively with Extension faculty and other resource individuals and organizations to identify and develop program resources and materials for youth and volunteers.
• Conduct and apply scholarly research.
• Provide state-wide leadership, coordination and management for the 4-H/FFA Division at the annual Maryland State Fair.
• Facilitate the organization and implementation of programmatic teams to develop, implement, evaluate, and sustain program models which support the responsibilities of the position.
• Develop and maintain effective University and state partnerships that strengthen connections to 4-H and further the scholarship as well as the development and delivery of Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs.
• Assist in the assessment of the state 4-H youth development program needs, setting program direction in cooperation with the State 4-H faculty team.
• Ensure that a youth voice in decision-making is embedded throughout the program initiatives.
• Participate in professional development experiences which build competencies in the area of youth development as it relates to the core focus areas for this position.
• Apply technology to communicate, locate information, design and deliver programs, evaluate and report program impact.

Qualifications:

Required –

• At least one degree in Animal Science. Earned Master’s Degree in a related field.
  
• At least two years experience in community-based youth development program leadership and management.
• Demonstrated excellence in designing, leading and teaching non-formal educational programs for youth and adults.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and groups in a variety of settings.
• Experience in applied research and publishing scholarly work.
• Ability to communicate (oral and written) effectively with individuals and group with diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Valid driver’s license and private reliable means of transportation. Willing to travel within the region and state.
• Flexible working hours; must be available for evening and weekend programs and meetings as necessary.
• If offered employment by MCE, you will be required to obtain a background check by the State of Maryland and FBI.

Preferred –

• Doctorate preferred.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with base salary of $54,000.  The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package.

Minorities And Women Are Encouraged To Apply

The University of Maryland is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer