Hunterdon County 4-H Agent III (Assistant Professor equivalent) (Faculty)

Position Summary

Position Description

OVERVIEW
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, is searching for a community-engaged scholar for
applied research and outreach focused on youth programming, specifically in the areas of
environmental science and health within the Department of 4-H Youth Development in
Hunterdon County. This 12-month, 100% Extension-funded faculty position offers an exciting
opportunity for developing new strategic and innovative initiatives in the areas of youth
development, health, and environmental science while providing leadership to a comprehensive
research-based, educational youth development program for Hunterdon County youth, grades K13 (one year out of high school). Reporting to the Chair of the Department of 4-H Youth
Development, this tenure-track faculty position serves as a liaison between campus-based
researchers at Rutgers University, the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, and Rutgers
Cooperative Extension, and clientele and colleague groups such as local and state stakeholders.
County 4-H Agents are expected to demonstrate excellence in teaching, extension practice, and
service.
Key duties include: assessing local needs to design, implement, and evaluate relevant 4-H youth
development programs, including those that support a strong 4-H club base. Additional duties
include developing strategies and maximizing effectiveness of culturally relevant educational
programs utilizing a variety of delivery modes in collaboration with community organizations and
stakeholders. County 4-H Agents are expected to establish an outstanding program, the merits
of which will lead to national recognition.
Representative responsibilities of this position will also include:
Applied Research (Extension Practice):
Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to:
 Positive youth development.
 Areas of emphasis may include any of the following: environmental science, ecology,
conservation, wildlife, community health & wellness, and youth-adult partnerships.
 Strengthening relationships across Rutgers University to build and deliver innovative,
cross-departmental, and cross-disciplinary educational programs aligned with state and
community-identified priorities.
 Share principles of evidence-based best practices with peers.
Teaching (Extension Teaching):
 Create, teach, and evaluate programs for public and professional audiences using both
direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods.
 This includes providing information through print publications, web-based resources, and
in-person presentations and serving as a resource for other cooperative extension
academics.
 Recruit, train, and support volunteers, organizational partners, and others to assist in
program delivery and support.
 Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns.
Service:
 Contribute to the effective operation and impact of the assigned county cooperative
extension office.
 Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and
impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension.
 Participate in professional society activities, including presenting papers at national
meetings.
 Establish productive working relationships with scientists and extension personnel in other
states.
 Participate in appropriate Hunterdon County, Department of 4-H Youth Development,
Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups.
 Cultivate collaborations and partnerships with community organizations throughout
Hunterdon County.
 Continually seek professional development opportunities to enhance competency in the
subject matter area.
Additionally,
 Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with external and internal
stakeholders.
 Ability to adapt as circumstances warrant.
 Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
 Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility and ability to share complex information in
a manner tailored to the audience.
 Experience working with diverse audiences and communities.
 Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions.
 Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing,
and management, and applied research.
 Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel is required; personal transportation is
required.
The Department has a strong interest in attracting diverse faculty and providing excellence in
community engagement in accordance with the Rutgers Diversity Strategic Plan
(https://diversity.rutgers.edu/university-plan) which is why we encourage candidates from
diverse, underrepresented communities to apply.

Required Qualifications

Extension Practice: Coordinate, conduct, and publish the results of applied research related to meeting current and projected statewide needs Explore and implement programs that lead to knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change Garner external funding to support and expand programming leading to peer recognition Extension Teaching: Develop and evaluate curriculum Create, deliver, and evaluate outreach programs, using both direct and indirect methods and a variety of delivery methods Apply community-engaged learning opportunities for students and interns. Service: Contribute to the effective and collegial operation and impact of the assigned Extension office. Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension colleagues Establish productive working relationships with extension personnel in other states. Participate in appropriate 4-H Youth Development Department, Cooperative Extension, and University committees or working groups. Actively explore and contribute to opportunities to expand the statewide visibility and impact of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Participate in professional organizations activities including presenting papers at national and international meetings. Additionally: Ability to adapt as circumstances warranted. Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience. Experience working with diverse audiences and communities Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions Demonstrated computer literacy – Microsoft Office and other Windows software, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, etc. Flexibility – the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed. Experience and/or coursework in conducting community needs assessments, grant writing and management, and applied research. There is an expectation that 4-H Youth Development faculty will continue to evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the communities they serve. Other Information To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. The employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidate must demonstrate excellence in written, oral, interpersonal, and information technology communication skills. The candidate should have a deep understanding of youth development and be able to design and implement a program that responds to community strengths, assets, and needs, and leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. Additional position requirements include: · A Master’s Degree is required from an accredited institution in education, human/youth development, sociology, science, or a related field. · A minimum of three years of relevant work experience. · Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member with external and internal stakeholders. · Experience in managing people and evidence of effective interpersonal communication skills (oral and written). · Experience in public speaking and written business-level communication. · Initiative and creativity – ability to start and complete a project with minimal supervision; self-directed. · Ability to adapt as circumstances warrant. · Willingness to actively promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. · Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, and ability to share complex information in a manner tailored to the audience. · Ability to work cooperatively and communicate with staff and clientele. · Experience working with diverse audiences and communities. · Experience establishing, leading, and/or serving partnerships and coalitions. · Demonstrated computer literacy – Microsoft Office and other Windows software. · Flexibility – the ability to work daytime, evenings, and weekends, as needed. · Conducting community needs assessments, grant writing, and management, and applied research. · Local, regional, and (limited) statewide travel is required; personal transportation is required.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Yesenia Rivera

Contact Email

yr121@njaes.rutgers.edu

Application Instructions

Please apply on the Rutgers website: https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/209424

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