TITLE: Extension Associate – 4H Aquatic Science & Youth Development
DEPARTMENT: Cooperative Extension Program
REPORTS TO: 4H Program Leader
CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months
EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD
STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: On-Site Main Campus with State-Wide Responsibilities
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
The Extension Associate for 4-H Aquatic Science and Youth Development develops, implements, and evaluates educational programs that promote youth development through aquatic science and related disciplines as part of Kentucky State University's Cooperative Extension Program. The position provides statewide leadership in developing and delivering educational programming that engages youth through experiential learning opportunities in aquatic science, aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, fisheries, sport fishing, environmental stewardship, and related subject areas.
The Extension Associate collaborates with Cooperative Extension faculty and staff, county Extension offices, schools, community organizations, government agencies, and other partners to develop educational resources, conduct training programs, secure external funding, and expand educational opportunities for youth throughout the Commonwealth.
This position requires regular on-campus attendance to collaborate with faculty and staff, develop educational programming, participate in departmental activities, and support University initiatives. Frequent statewide travel is required to deliver Extension programming and provide educational services.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Develop, implement, and evaluate statewide 4-H Aquatic Science educational programs that promote youth development through hands-on learning experiences.
- Plan and deliver educational programs using a variety of instructional methods, including classroom instruction, demonstrations, workshops, field activities, camps, conferences, webinars, and other educational formats.
- Develop curriculum, lesson plans, educational publications, fact sheets, instructional videos, digital resources, and other educational materials that support Extension programming.
- Coordinate and conduct aquatic science educational activities related to aquaculture, aquaponics, hydroponics, fisheries, sport fishing, water quality, environmental stewardship, and related disciplines.
- Collaborate with county Extension personnel to strengthen local programming and expand educational opportunities for youth.
- Develop and conduct in-school and out-of-school educational programs that promote leadership development, life skills, and career awareness through aquatic science education.
- Coordinate, plan, conduct, and evaluate professional development opportunities for county Extension personnel related to aquatic science and youth programming.
- Develop and deliver presentations for Extension agent trainings, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
- Use appropriate technology platforms to develop and deliver educational webinars, online learning modules, educational videos, social media content, and other digital educational resources.
- Evaluate educational programs using appropriate assessment methods and maintain records demonstrating program outcomes and impacts.
- Develop partnerships with schools, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, industry representatives, and community organizations to strengthen Extension programming.
- Prepare competitive grant proposals and seek external funding opportunities to support aquatic science and youth development programming.
- Assist in administering externally funded projects and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Prepare reports, publications, educational materials, abstracts, and other scholarly or Extension publications that communicate program outcomes and educational information.
- Present educational programs and program results at professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and Extension events.
- Collaborate with faculty, Extension specialists, researchers, and staff on interdisciplinary educational initiatives.
- Mentor undergraduate students, interns, volunteers, and other program participants as assigned.
- Maintain effective working relationships with University personnel, county Extension offices, stakeholders, youth participants, volunteers, and community partners.
- Maintain appropriate records and prepare reports required by Kentucky State University, Cooperative Extension, and funding agencies.
- Participate in departmental meetings, University committees, professional development activities, and other institutional initiatives.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of Kentucky State University and the Cooperative Extension Program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of youth development principles and educational programming.
- Knowledge of aquatic science, aquaculture, fisheries, hydroponics, aquaponics, environmental science, or closely related disciplines.
- Knowledge of Cooperative Extension educational philosophy and program development principles.
- Knowledge of curriculum development, educational assessment, and program evaluation methods.
- Ability to develop and deliver educational programs for youth, educators, volunteers, and community organizations.
- Ability to communicate effectively through written, verbal, and digital communication methods.
- Ability to prepare educational publications, reports, grant proposals, and technical materials.
- Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with faculty, staff, Extension personnel, schools, governmental agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders.
- Ability to organize multiple projects simultaneously while meeting established deadlines.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, virtual meeting platforms, learning management systems, social media, and other educational technologies.
- Ability to analyze educational needs and develop effective programming that supports the mission of the Cooperative Extension Program.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare required reports.
UPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
- This position does not have regular supervisory responsibility for full-time employees but may provide direction to student employees, interns, volunteers, and temporary personnel participating in Extension programming.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of Kentucky State University and the Cooperative Extension Program
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in Aquaculture, Aquatic Science, Fisheries, Education, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Youth Development, Environmental Science, or a closely related field is required.
- Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in a related discipline is preferred.
- Experience developing and delivering educational programs for youth, Extension audiences, schools, or community organizations is preferred.
- Experience developing educational curricula, instructional materials, and digital learning resources is preferred.
- Experience preparing grant proposals and managing externally funded projects is preferred.
- Experience presenting educational programs, conducting workshops, or providing professional development is preferred.
- Experience working collaboratively with public agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, or community partners is preferred.
Licensing and Certifications:
- Valid driver's license is required.
- Must be able to travel throughout Kentucky and occasionally outside the state as required for Extension programming, conferences, and professional development.
- Ability to obtain and maintain any certifications or training required by Kentucky State University, the Cooperative Extension Program, or funding agencies.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is performed in office, classroom, laboratory, outdoor, and community-based educational environments.
- Regular on-campus attendance is required to collaborate with faculty and staff, prepare educational materials, participate in departmental activities, and support University operations.
- Frequent travel throughout Kentucky is required to conduct Extension programming, trainings, meetings, and educational events.
- Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support Extension activities, youth programs, camps, conferences, and community events.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting and carrying of educational equipment and materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Work may involve outdoor educational activities with exposure to varying weather conditions and aquatic or agricultural environments while following appropriate safety procedures.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa
Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer
The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.
