Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

http://stark.osu.edu/

County Extension Educator
Stark County, Urban Programming – 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources
Massillon, OH / Area 10

R84296
Post: July 26, 2023
Deadline:  August 9, 2023
Screening Interview:  TBD
County Interview:  TBD
Salary:  $38,004 to $63,036

This is a 3-year term position.

This position is located in Stark County, Massillon, Ohio. 

This posting is for an Extension Educator (1, 2, or 3); salary and Educator level for final candidate will be determined by years of experience and education level:

Extension Educator 1
Requires a bachelor’s Degree
Salary Range:  $38,004-$48,000

Extension Educator 2
Requires a master’s Degree
Salary Range:  $43,500-$53,508

Extension Educator 3
Requires a master’s Degree and 11+ years of direct or related work experience
Salary Range:  $51,000-$63,036

Career Roadmap Placement is:
Function: Education
Sub-Function: Extension Educators
Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized
Level: S1, S2, S3, S4

Resume and cover letter, specific to the posting, are to be included at time of application.

JOB DUTIES:  The Ohio State University Extension (OSUE) seeks an Urban Educator to work collaboratively with county, area and state teams of OSUE professionals and with local agency leaders and volunteers.  The Educator will be responsible for a broad range of basic to complex duties that could include but are not limited to: Providing guidance and/or leadership for 4-H Youth Development as well as Agriculture and Natural Resources programming targeted to local and area needs, focusing on urban audiences.  Utilize appropriate methods, both formal and informal, of community assessment to identify educational needs and opportunities of local community. Design, implement and teach educational programming, based on these needs, to groups and individuals comprised of adults and/or youth. May also convene and facilitate community coalitions focused on those needs. The Educator may be required to replicate and adhere to existing programs that meet the needs of their local community.  The Educator will develop promotional material, work with and/or lead committees and volunteers, and establish and maintain partnerships within the community that support the achievement of the program goals. The Educator evaluates educational programs and dissemination methods, as well as, utilizes existing evaluation instruments to evaluate the teaching effectiveness, program quality and results of local programs. Participate in discussions with county representatives concerning program funding.  May also be responsible for securing external funds to support local programming.  Participate as a member of county, multi-county, and/or state Extension teams to further the overall mission, vision and values of both Ohio State University Extension and the 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources program areas.

• Designs, implements, and teaches community-based programs that respond to local needs. Provides leadership and programming in the areas of 4-H Youth Development and Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) by conducting proactive education and applied research programs, and by developing products to meet current and future needs of new audiences and non-traditional audiences in urban areas of Stark County. Serves as the lead for urban programming for OSU Extension in Stark County. Focus areas will be to build upon current programming in urban agriculture, local foods, and youth development. Lead school enrichment programs, focusing on agriculture in the classroom and STEM. Utilize the current STEM activities and events developed by OSU Extension and other Land Grant Universities. Promote 4-H events and membership as part of innovative school programming. Provide expertise in the development, enhancement, and support for statewide Extension and 4-H programming, including active participation in a State 4-H Design Team. This statewide specialization in a specialization appropriate area will be negotiated and approved by the State 4-H Leader. Dedicates 25% of time to statewide efforts.
• Co-Manages volunteer programs in the county relating to 4-H School Enrichment, Master Gardener Volunteers, and an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Certification Course in coordination with OSU Extension state leadership and county office staff. Identifies, recruits, and develops volunteer leadership necessary to carry out relevant programming. Coordinates volunteer programs to meet the mission of OSU Extension and to meet the needs of Stark County. Develops volunteer position descriptions relating to urban programming and partner with companies and organizations to recruit new OSU Extension volunteers to support programming.
• Participates and actively contributes to county, multi-county, and/or state Extension teams to further the overall mission, vision, and values of both OSU Extension and Stark County. Engages in professional development activities that lead to development of a specialization. Participates in appropriate in-services and trainings relating to position duties. Establishes and maintains partnerships within the community that support achievement of program goals.
• Evaluates education programs and dissemination methods to show impacts of programming. Utilize existing evaluation instruments to evaluate teaching effectiveness, program quality, and results. Works with colleagues in OSU Extension to develop new methods as needed. Provides impact data and results of program activity to staff, funders and partners. Actively seeks grant and contract opportunities to support and expand programming. Actively participates in discussions with county representatives concerning program funding.
• Participates in community events to promote programs and to make connections for urban programming. Actively participates in advisory committee meetings. Conducts focus groups with partners and organizations in urban areas of the county to gain input for program development and implementation. Utilizes marketing strategies to make partnerships and recruit participants. Coordinate needs assessments with OSU Extension, teachers and school leadership. Utilizes communication channels to inform clientele, peers, and support teams about programming and opportunities.

 Required Experience:  An earned Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at the time of hire is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a degree in agriculture or natural resources or other educationally-related area (examples are: food science, biology, science education). The successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills and experience in working with diverse clientele and organizations.  Demonstrated success in working as part of a team and initiating collaborative partnerships is sought.  Leadership ability and strong teaching and subject matter expertise in at least one area of agriculture is necessary. Demonstrated experience in the areas of farm management/economics, animal sciences, volunteer management and/or community partnerships. Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours with a minimum of supervision.

Desired Experience: Training and work experience related to education, youth development, volunteerism, soil science, horticulture, science education, and natural resources. Demonstrated experience relating to community engagement. Demonstrated success connecting with community partners for grants and contracts relating to education, agriculture, horticulture and other programs related to the position.

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check.  A drug screen, physical, or psychological screening may be required during the post offer process.