Russell County consists of four incorporated towns that include: Cleveland, Honaker, Lebanon, and St. Paul, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. It has a rural population of approximately 28,897 citizens. Russell County 4-H has strong, very diverse in school programs working with six elementary/primary schools, two middle schools, three high schools, and one career and technical center. 4-H after school and special interest 4-H programs include eight clubs. The 4-H program in Russell County impacts numerous youth with the help of several trained volunteer leaders. Russell County takes approximately 75 youth to 4-H Camp at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center in Abingdon. There is an opportunity for more youth to participate in 4-H camp. In an agriculture based county, there is a high level of interest in Extension programs by citizens who value 4-H youth development, primarily due to the history of 4-H in Russell County. The 4-H Youth Development Agent is a professional educator who provides leadership to the local 4-H program and manages its day-to-day operation. 4-H is a community of young people learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. The mission of 4-H is to develop youth, and adults working with those youth, to realize their full potential and become effective, contributing citizens. This is achieved through the development and delivery of research-based, non-formal, hands on educational experiences.

Responsibilities: Develops and delivers objective, research-based educational programs to meet the needs of diverse audiences, specifies program goals and objectives, and identifies resources needed; provides leadership for 4-H Youth Development programs that meet the needs of all youth; identifies, recruits, trains, supports, and manages volunteers to implement and carry out the 4-H educational programming in the unit; determines unit program needs by monitoring trends and issues, and conducting unit assessments involving the unit Extension Leadership Council (ELC) and other leadership committees; networks and builds coalitions with other agencies, organizations and institutions to address the complex youth and family issues and the needs of the 4-H program; coordinates day-to-day activities and events associated with the unit 4-H program including 4-H delivery (community 4-H clubs, project 4-H clubs, school enrichment 4-H, after school 4-H, special interest 4-H, and 4-H camping). Extension agents recognize the importance of diversity and inclusion in the development and delivery of Extension programs, actively work to diversify program participation and are responsible for VCE's civil rights policies and compliance with affirmative action.

Must have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree (BA or BS) in a relevant discipline from an accredited college or university. A master's degree and promotion to Extension Agent are required no later than the sixth year of employment. Knowledge and experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating Extension or non formal education programs; understanding and ability to conduct community needs assessment to determine program priorities; Knowledge of child and human development. Excellent communication skills; Basic knowledge in educational technologies and their appropriate use in the development and delivery of educational programs; Program marketing skills; Knowledge and willingness to involve and manage volunteers in program development and delivery. Extension agents demonstrate flexibility, adaptability; a team-oriented mindset, yet are able to work independently, and; strong desire to help clients succeed.

Virginia Tech is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas for this vacancy.