4-H Program Support / Extension Program Worker

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

Deliver and support programs to youth in Alcona County in partnership with Alcona Community Schools and qualified volunteers during the school year and with 4-H clubs when able during the summer. 

The Alcona County 4-H Program Assistant will deliver programs at the Alcona Elementary 4-H Makerspace with guidance from the 4-H Program Coordinator and in consultation with the school including the principal, science team lead, and teachers. Employee hours may vary but will not exceed 19 hours per week. 

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Alcona County 4-H Program Assistant will be responsible for assisting with programming for elementary school students, local families, and/or community partners and assisting the 4-H Program Coordinator with tasks in Alcona County and the Alcona Elementary School. Tasks will include:

• Plan and organize activities in the Alcona County 4-H Makerspace (in the Elementary School) possibly with volunteers that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics.
• Engage youth in programs that highlight discovery and hands-on learning which may include the MakerSpace, garden space, hoophouse, and other assets at the school to engage learning.
• Recruit, refer, and assist volunteers to serve as club leaders, to provide guest programming, or to otherwise support youth learning and associated activities.
• Assist with family engagement events as they may occur.
• Collect data and submit reports to the Alcona County 4-H Program Coordinator.

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math (STEAM).
• Knowledge of youth development, place-/problem-/project-based learning opportunities.
• Outgoing, confident and able to work in a flexible and fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

   

  Required application materials:

  Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

ON-CALL