4-H Program Assistant - WVU Extension Service (Kanawha County)

The WVU Extension Service (WVUES) is seeking applications for a 4-H Program Assistant for Kanawha County.

About the Opportunity

The Kanawha County Extension Program Assistant supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of 4-H programs and activities, including camps, clubs, and school-based initiatives. They assist with administrative tasks such as managing communications, maintaining databases, and organizing promotional materials, while also recruiting and managing volunteers. The position requires strong organizational skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and the flexibility to work in various settings, including schools and outdoor events.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
  
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
  
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
  
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
  
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
  
• Wellness programs
• Possible travel reimbursement with this specific position

What You'll Do

Program Support

In collaboration with county Extension Agents:

• Develop, expand, conduct, and implement the 4-H program to reach diverse audiences through camps, clubs, and county-wide events.
• Determine program needs based on county and community needs assessments, observations, and discussions with community leaders, youth, and 4-H volunteers.
• Build appropriate, supportive relationships with 4-H'ers, volunteers, parents/guardians, and stakeholders.
• Facilitate the evaluation of programs and activities to identify areas of needed improvement.
• Report to stakeholders, Extension Service Committee, board of education, and county commission on evaluation outcomes.
• Assist with training and professional development for volunteers, teachers, community partners, and other Extension faculty & staff.
• Create flyers, newsletters, posters, and other promotional materials for the 4-H program and Kanawha Extension.
• Manage social media and other online methods of promotion and marketing for 4-H and Kanawha Extension.
• Maintain and update databases, mailing lists, and 4-H enrollment documents for Kanawha Extension programs.
• Direct community members to an ANR agent or state Extension specialists for specific information about agriculture-related questions.
• Assist with training and professional development for 4-H volunteers, Master Gardeners, CEOS members, and teachers/ educators.
• Lead and evaluate STEAM programs at all Kanawha County Schools Third Base afterschool programs, and work with Third Base teachers and KCS administration to create a schedule to reach all Third Base participants for multiple weeks.
• Assist with afterschool SPIN (special interest) 4-H clubs.
• Provide programming & activities to Kanawha County Schools school outdoor classrooms, field days, reward days, and other school-wide events.
• Provide summer programming for Third Base, community-based, and school-based day camps.

Office Support

• Serve as the "front door of Extension" by greeting office visitors and determining their needs.
• Answer telephone, screen calls, clearly communicate with callers, and respond to general inquiries, including dissemination of general information to include program procedure and policy information.
• Manage sending and receiving mail and packages.
• Maintain confidential volunteer files for vetting and request appropriate background checks or trainings as needed, maintain 4-H club enrollments.
• Assess daily and weekly tasks list and delegate tasks to AmeriCorps members, summer workers, and student workers as available.
• Organize, inventory, and purchase program materials and supplies for Kanawha Extension programs.
• Contact community supporters and volunteers for Extension programs, when requested.
• Stay current on software and applications related to Extension programs
• Maintain and update office calendar for programs, and confirm and notify participants of date, location and purpose of events.
• Attend office group meetings, when necessary.
• Maintain an extensive filing system of program materials to ensure prompt retrieval of necessary information.

Recruitment

• Identify and recruit volunteers, participants, and leaders for Kanawha County 4-H.
• Implement and manage volunteer processes such as recruitment, vetting, recognition, and retention. Maintain accurate records of all volunteers in the county.
• Recruit new youth participants and/or organize new 4-H or WVU Extension clubs and groups as appropriate based on demographic data and information.
• Collaborate with the school system and local organizations to recruit and promote after school, out of school, weekend, and summer activities for youth.
• Assist in enrolling youth in 4-H programs and managing ZSuite enrollment management system.

Additional Responsibilities

• Adhere to WVU Youth Protection guidelines and policies.
• Participate in mandatory training sessions relevant to job responsibilities.
• Participate as an active member in professional associations and keep informed of research and trends related to youth programs.
• Manage and reconcile PCard purchases for Extension programs.

Pay Grade: 13

• Associate degree
  
  
  
  
  • Area of focus in education, youth development, office administration, management, science, humanities, communication, or health preferred.
  
  
  
  
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience preferred involving:
  
  
  
  
  • Experience in communicating (written, oral, formal/informal) with a variety of audiences.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the West Virginia 4-H program and WVU Extension overall.
• Knowledge of office methods, procedures and policies.
• Ability to manage materials, multiple programs and deadlines, and own time independently.
• Ability to market and promote Extension programs to local constituents.
• Ability to learn the policies and procedures of schools, community organizations, WVU Extension, WVU, state auditor's office, and the Kanawha County Commission and Board of Education.
• Ability to assess current situations, determine the best course of action, monitor for needed changes and ask for assistance, if needed.
• Ability to trouble shoot technology and equipment and willingness to seek help if needed.
• Excellent communication abilities, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to use word processing, spreadsheets and database programs to complete and coordinate submission of appropriate reports and information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization and the general public.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills to plan and organize tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Public speaking abilities to present and market Extension programs to local constituents.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to work afternoons between 1:30 PM and 5 PM at least four days a week.
• Ability to travel and work occasional nights and weekends, including serving on staff full time at Kanawha County 4-H Camp in early June and at New Horizons State 4-H Camp in early July each year.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working with children in a professional or volunteer capacity.

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Lifting up to 40 lbs.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.