Ext State 4H & Youth Dev. Agent

Department Contact:Jaime Castillo

Internal or External Search:External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary:The Cooperative Extension Department is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the development and implementation of an innovative statewide 4-H volunteer development and management system. Apply today and be a part of our team.

Position Details

PositionTitle: Ext State 4H & Youth Dev. Agent

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 314000-4 H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PGM UNIT

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate on education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status:Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement:

Contingent Upon Funding:Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule:Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule:May work evenings and weekends

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Statewide 4-H Volunteer Management Agent will provide strategic leadership for volunteer systems that strengthen 4-H programming across New Mexico. The successful candidate will:
Lead the development and implementation of an innovative statewide 4-H volunteer development and management system.
Provide volunteer-related training and technical assistance to county faculty staff and volunteers.
Develop and maintain systems to support effective 4-H club management and volunteer engagement statewide.
Collaborate with Extension personnel the university community and external stakeholders to advance multi-disciplinary youth and volunteer initiatives.
Secure extramural funding to expand volunteer and youth development programming.
Document measurable program outcomes and impacts through annual reporting 5-Year Plan of Work development and evaluation processes.
Support statewide youth livestock program efforts.
Promote CES programs within the state prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics
Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS.)

The 4-H Youth Development Program is a statewide research-based youth leadership organization rooted in Cooperative Extension and the land-grant mission. Through hands-on experiential learning 4-H empowers young people to build life skills explore career pathways strengthen their communities and develop into confident capable leaders.

Grounded in the philosophy of learn by doing 4-H delivers high-quality non-formal education that complements the home school and community. Youth engage in programs spanning agriculture STEM leadership civic engagement healthy living and workforce readiness - all designed to help them think critically communicate effectively and make informed decisions.

4-H is committed to positive youth development and volunteer-led impact. We equip youth with the knowledge skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong success - emphasizing leadership responsibility integrity service and collaboration. Our programs foster belonging independence generosity and mastery preparing young people to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving world.

As part of a land-grant university system 4-H connects research to real-world application ensuring that youth and volunteers benefit from evidence-based education in science agriculture family and consumer sciences and emerging fields that shape the future economy.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Masters degree in Extension Education Adult Education Youth Development Family and Consumer Sciences Agriculture or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by date of hire).
Demonstrated expertise in volunteer management systems and positive youth development principles.
Ability to interpret current research and translate findings into practical field-ready strategies for county Extension faculty and volunteer leaders statewide.
Experience designing implementing and evaluating volunteer and youth leadership programs.
Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage audiences across varying ages cultures and educational backgrounds.
Knowledge of innovative and technology-enhanced educational delivery methods.
Demonstrated social media knowledge and application.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in Cooperative Extension youth education and community-based outreach programming.
Experience delivering adult and youth education through in-person hybrid and virtual formats.
Background in livestock and small animal project programming within youth development settings.

Special Certification/Licensure:
*The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
-Your resume/cv
-Cover letter
-Transcript
-Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.