Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Title: Extension Educator, Youth Development, Animal Science (NE)

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A

Office Location: NE Region; Extension Regional Office options of Cloquet, Brainerd, Grand Rapids. Hybrid work options may be available

Program Area: Extension Center for Youth Development

Apply By: April 28, 2023

ABOUT THIS POSITION

This regional youth development Extension educator position (regional educator) works with a team of Extension educators in a multi-county region and across the state to provide educational leadership to the full range of 4-H Youth Development and adult learning programs. Regional educators lead programmatic efforts that result in high quality, culturally responsive learning environments where youth thrive. They use research-based methods to design, lead and manage programs; teach and facilitate learning; and contribute to the field through scholarship. Regional educators are on an academic promotion track.

This position leads animal science programs in the region and serves on the statewide function team to deliver educational programs. This position designs and delivers local, regional and state animal science experiences that: 1) builds leadership and animal science content skills/knowledge; 2) reinforces scientific and engineering processes related to animal science; 3) guides post-secondary education and career exploration; and 4) reaches existing and new audiences.

This Extension educator position reports to an Extension Program Leader who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4-H Program Director.

Responsibilities

• Lead the program development process with tribal and county-based 4-H Extension educators related to animal science; aligning with state priorities and local needs.
• Design new and innovative programmatic approaches and resources to promote and enhance local and regional animal science experiences for young people, including club, camp and showcase experiences.
• Lead partnership, curriculum, and resource development efforts that expand educational animal science opportunities and reach new audiences.
• Deliver animal science programs within the region, using program models that are accessible to and inclusive of underserved audiences.
• Lead and manage regional offerings for project bowls, Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics training, the Northeast Livestock Show and related offerings, and support local delivery of these experiences.
• Manage the animal identification process in the region and support local implementation.
• Serve as subject matter expert to local 4-H Extension educators in animal science and other areas as needed.
• Train staff, judges, youth and adult volunteers to ensure high-quality learning environments around animal science topics are guided by project-based curricula and include opportunities for youth to showcase new knowledge and skills.
• Lead and support statewide animal science projects, including the project development committee, show committee and state project bowl.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for animal science efforts during the Minnesota State Fair, State Horse Show, State Dog Show and other events.
• Communicate and implement animal science policies and practices in the region.
• Communicate animal science educational opportunities and resulting impacts to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the regional team to support the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.
• Facilitate problem-solving processes for responding and bringing resolution to questions, concerns, and code of conduct issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelors degree professional experience in youth development programs, public administration, or community-based or non-profit organizations.
• Demonstrated subject matter expertise in animal science.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, delivering, and evaluating animal science or general agriculture programs
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating with stakeholders to manage animal exhibitions.
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation processes
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and access
• Demonstrated ability to strengthen and grow programs in partnership with individuals, organizations, and communities representing new, diverse, and underserved audiences
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Travel (in-state and national) may be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee’s own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to submit proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit a completed religious/medical exemption and agree to comply with the University’s testing requirement.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in animal science, agriculture, youth development, human development, adult development, community development, or related.
• Course work in child and adolescent development, educational program design, experiential learning, animal science, and pedagogy
• Demonstrated success in developing community, agency, business and corporate partnerships to grow programs
• Demonstrated experience in using data-driven approaches in leading program design, development, implementation, and reporting
• Skills/abilities in the use of technology for communication, teaching and planning
• Demonstrated success in resource development including grant development, and budget management

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required within six years and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/About-Working-U/Benefits-Summaries-Prospective-Employees
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Estimated starting salary range is $54,000-59,000 annually. Salary commensurate with education and experience.

ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE CENTER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at www.extension.umn.edu.

Extension’s Center for Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

TO APPLY

Please apply at: https://extension.umn.edu/home/careers, Job Opening ID: 354899

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:

Application requirements

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity Statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:

a. Personalized views and experiences

b. Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience

c. If you do not have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

d. Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Jan Derdowski, Program Leader, Youth Development, derdo003@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

DIVERSITY

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.