Ext State 4H & Youth Dev. Agent

Department Contact: Jaime Castillo, 575-646-1157, jaimex@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary: The Cooperative Extension Department is seeking a dynamic individual to lead the development and implementation of an innovative statewide 4-H volunteer development and management system. Apply today and be a part of our team.

Position Details

Position Title: Ext State 4H & Youth Dev. Agent

College/Division: Cooperative Extension Service

Department: 314000-4 H AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PGM UNIT

Location: Cooperative Extension Service

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate on education and experience

Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0

FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit Announcement:

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings and weekends

Job Duties and Responsibilities: The Statewide 4-H Volunteer Management Agent will provide strategic leadership for volunteer systems that strengthen 4-H programming across New Mexico. The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and implementation of an innovative statewide 4-H volunteer development and management system.
• Provide volunteer-related training and technical assistance to county faculty, staff, and volunteers.
• Develop and maintain systems to support effective 4-H club management and volunteer engagement statewide.
• Collaborate with Extension personnel, the university community, and external stakeholders to advance multi-disciplinary youth and volunteer initiatives.
• Secure extramural funding to expand volunteer and youth development programming.
• Document measurable program outcomes and impacts through annual reporting, 5-Year Plan of Work development, and evaluation processes.
• Support statewide youth livestock program efforts.
• Promote CES programs within the state, prioritizing the program expansion to non-traditional demographics
• Foster collaborations and participate in activities and on research teams that support the work of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS.)

The 4-H Youth Development Program is a statewide, research-based youth leadership organization rooted in Cooperative Extension and the land-grant mission. Through hands-on, experiential learning, 4-H empowers young people to build life skills, explore career pathways, strengthen their communities, and develop into confident, capable leaders.

Grounded in the philosophy of "learn by doing," 4-H delivers high-quality, non-formal education that complements the home, school, and community. Youth engage in programs spanning agriculture, STEM, leadership, civic engagement, healthy living, and workforce readiness - all designed to help them think critically, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions.

4-H is committed to positive youth development and volunteer-led impact. We equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for lifelong success - emphasizing leadership, responsibility, integrity, service, and collaboration. Our programs foster belonging, independence, generosity, and mastery, preparing young people to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly evolving world.

As part of a land-grant university system, 4-H connects research to real-world application, ensuring that youth and volunteers benefit from evidence-based education in science, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and emerging fields that shape the future economy.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:
Master's degree in Extension Education, Adult Education, Youth Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Agriculture, or a closely related field (degree must be conferred by date of hire).

• Demonstrated expertise in volunteer management systems and positive youth development principles.
• Ability to interpret current research and translate findings into practical, field-ready strategies for county Extension faculty and volunteer leaders statewide.
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating volunteer and youth leadership programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with demonstrated ability to engage audiences across varying ages, cultures, and educational backgrounds.
• Knowledge of innovative and technology-enhanced educational delivery methods.
• Demonstrated social media knowledge and application.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Cooperative Extension, youth education, and community-based outreach programming.
• Experience delivering adult and youth education through in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats.
• Background in livestock and small animal project programming within youth development settings.

Special Certification/Licensure:

• The following documents are required. Please include on the application:
• Your resume/cv
• Cover letter
• Transcript
• Concise statement of Extension & outreach interests, goals and objectives for this position (2 page maximum)

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort: Light physical effort. Effort applies to no more than two (2) hours per day.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.