Area Specialized Agent- 4-H/Stem (Mecklenburg County)

Collaborates with Extension Specialist in 4-H/STEM to provide educational leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of research based, integrative statewide Extension programs that meet the needs of limited-resource and socially-disadvantaged audiences.

Delivers training and educational support for field staff and their clientele/customers in 4-H STEM, consistent with the philosophy, policy and overall mission, goals and educational objectives of the Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T.

Specifically, this position coordinates and develops programs for youth within a designated cluster of counties (Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly, Union, Anson) to increase skills and competencies in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that are delivered in community based settings through Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T 4-H program and partnerships across the state.

Position will also collaborate with other Area Specialized Agents on regional and statewide 4-H initiatives and programs. Position will be located in Mecklenburg County.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is an educational outreach organization within the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.

Cooperative Extension at A&T provides researched-based educational information, programming and technical assistance to limited-resource audiences that address a diverse range of issues in four programmatic areas

• Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community and Rural Development, and 4-H Youth Development.

Together with its partners

• North Carolina State University Extension, U.S. Department of Agriculture, state and county governments, a dynamic and resourceful system is formed.

In addition to campus operations, The Cooperative Extension Program has professionally staffed offices in almost half of the 100 counties in North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee

Indians.

Minimum Requirements

• Requires Master's Degree from an accredited university in technology, computing, engineering, or another STEM focused major; or technical teacher education.

• In-depth knowledge of state and national trends and relevant data supporting Extension program development for limited resource youth.

• Experience in the design and development of educational training materials for use in community based educational programming.

• Demonstrated ability to use science, engineering and technology, youth development theories and activities with diverse audiences and settings.

• Ability to interact and gain support from constituencies outside the university such as business and industry, state and federal agencies and non-profit and private foundations.

• Computer literacy (proficiency in MS Excel, PowerPoint and Office, etc.)

• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

• Ability to handle multiple demands and set priorities.

• Ability to travel 25 - 50% of time, including overnight stays and occasional weekends.

• Must be able to lift and carry training supplies, publications and equipment needed for training programs.

• Have car for travel in instances when a state vehicle may be unavailable and travel deemed necessary

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• In addition to M.S., five or more years of professional experience in science education, STEM programs, youth development programming, curriculum development, or educational methods and evaluation.

• Experience planning, implementing, marketing and evaluating educational programs for urban or limited resource youth delivered through 4-H.

• Evidence of collaboration/coalition building with schools, youth serving organizations/agencies, institutions of higher education and the scientific community.

• Experience in the design and development of educational training materials for use in community based educational programming.

Required License or Certification

Valid NC Driver's License required to operate state or local county vehicles

Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.