EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SPECIALIST - 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

COOPERATIVE EXTENSTION SERVICES DIVISION

POSITION AVAILABILITY

• 1 position available.
• Tentative start date of 09/29/2025

SALARY RANGE

• PG 14, $23.03 - $25.33 Hourly, Nonexempt

WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

• UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension Service, 1702 Highway 17 S, Bartow, FL  33830
• Monday - Friday, 8:00AM-5:00PM (may involve occasional nights and weekends for special events)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

• Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• FRS Retirement
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Education Incentives
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Wellness Incentives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Free Employee Gym
• Free Employee Health Clinic

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:

MAJOR FUNCTION

This is a professional position responsible for supporting and coordinating 4-H youth development programs under the guidance of the 4-H Extension Agent. The role focuses on planning and delivering educational enrichment activities, maintaining program records, supporting outreach initiatives, and engaging youth and families through community partnerships. This position enhances the reach and impact of 4-H programming across schools and local organizations.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Educational Program Delivery and Coordination

• Coordinate, plan, implement, and evaluate school enrichment and short-term experiential learning programs using approved 4-H curriculum.
• Represent 4-H at school functions, STEAM nights, and other community engagement events.
• Maintain accurate records and submit reports related to enrollment, attendance, youth and volunteer hours, and event participation.
• Support volunteer and youth enrollment in 4-H Online; assist with club documentation and data entry.

Outreach, Communications, and Promotion

• Develop marketing materials and manage social media accounts to highlight program events, outcomes, and success stories.
• Contribute written content for newsletters and provide website updates through the Educational Technology and Communications Specialist.
• Build and maintain partnerships with educators, youth-serving professionals, and community organizations to enhance program visibility and participation.

Administrative and Event Support

• Provide administrative support such as preparing meeting agendas, taking minutes, managing event logistics, and maintaining inventory records.
• Travel as needed to chaperone youth at county, district, and state events while ensuring compliance with required youth/adult ratios.
• Participate in professional development activities, training sessions, and independent study to strengthen subject matter expertise and instructional effectiveness.
• Assist with county fair responsibilities and contribute to UF/IFAS or Polk County committees, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Understanding of youth development frameworks and hands-on learning methodologies used in educational settings.
• Familiarity with 4-H programs, Cooperative Extension systems, and related curricula.
• Competence in organizing community-based initiatives and delivering structured enrichment experiences for young people.
• Experience managing program documentation, including enrollment data, attendance tracking, volunteer hours, and event records.
• Proficiency in using digital outreach tools, such as social media platforms, electronic newsletters, and content management systems.
• Ability to write and edit materials for various audiences, including promotional content, meeting summaries, and web updates.
• Capacity to coordinate meetings and events, manage schedules, and maintain program inventory.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building partnerships with educators, families, volunteers, and community organizations.
• Flexibility to adjust to varying program needs, including working evenings or weekends when required.
• Readiness to travel for youth events, including overnight stays, while adhering to safety and supervision protocols.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office products and web-based systems such as 4-H Online.
• Commitment to continuous learning through training, workshops, and self-guided study to improve program quality and delivery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Youth Development, Communications, Agricultural Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Two years of relevant work experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and have reliable transportation.
• Must undergo and successfully pass a Level 2 background screening, including fingerprinting and a review of state and national criminal history records, as defined by Florida Statutes Chapter 435, prior to employment. Maintaining Level 2 clearance is a condition of continued employment.

All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

TO APPLY

• Submit your resume using the Apply to this Position icon below.