Extension Educator, Youth Development - Animal Science (SW MN region)

About the Job

Title: Extension Educator, Youth Development - Animal Science

Job code: 9624YS

Employee Group: Professional & Academic (P&A)

Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Office location: Extension Regional Office options of Marshall, Morris, or Willmar; another location near the Worthington area may also be possible. Work location determined at offer. This is an in-person position, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available

Estimated salary range: $64,000 - $78,000

Apply by: July 20, 2026

About the Job

This regional Extension Educator, Youth Development (Regional Educator) works with a team of educators across a multi-county southwest region and statewide to provide educational leadership for 4-H Youth Development animal science and adult learning programs. Regional Educators lead programmatic efforts to create high-quality learning environments where youth thrive. Placed on an academic promotion track, they use research-based methods to design and manage programs, teach and facilitate learning, and contribute to the field through scholarship.

This position leads regional animal science programs and serves on the statewide function team to design and deliver local, regional, and state experiences that:

• Build leadership and animal science content knowledge.
• Reinforce scientific processes related to animal science.
• Guide post-secondary education and career exploration.
• Expand reach to both existing and new audiences.

This regional educator reports to a Youth Development Program Leader who reports to the Associate Dean of Youth Development and State 4-H Program Director. This position will work closely with the 4-H Animal Science Program Director.

Location and Work Environment

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southwest region: Marshall, Morris, Willmar or another location near Worthington, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southwest region, and occasional travel throughout the state is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.

Work Schedule

Typical schedule is workdays, Monday through Friday. This position requires frequent attendance and participation at evening and/or weekend meetings, fairs, camps and related events; scheduled in advance.

Primary Responsibilities

4-H Animal Science Program Leadership | 40%

• Lead the development of regional 4-H Animal Science programs in collaboration with locally-based 4-H Extension educators. Ensure alignment with state Animal Science priorities while addressing local community needs and departmental goals.
• Design new and innovative program approaches to enhance local and regional 4-H Animal Science education to prepare youth for work and life.
• Collect and use data to inform 4-H Animal Science program decisions. Engage audiences and partners in developing data-driven local program plans with goals and strategies that achieve program growth and audience retention.
• Collaborate with the state 4-H Animal Science team to lead and support statewide programs and projects, such as animal science project bowl, project development committees, show committees, livestock judging, Minnesota State Fair animal science experiences, Livestock Quality Assurance & Ethics training, and educational tracks at other Minnesota 4-H events. Ensure youth in the region have access to and participate in state-level programs and events, and serve as the region's primary point of contact.
• Ensure University of Minnesota and Minnesota 4-H policies and procedures, such as risk and financial management, are communicated in the region and consistently implemented.
• Manage the animal identification process in the region and support, guide, and advise local implementation.
• Secure and steward financial resources to support regional 4-H STEM & Agriscience programming, including developing grants, sponsorships, and partnerships; manage program budgets and ensure responsible use of funds in accordance with University and Extension policies.
• Facilitate solutions to questions, concerns, and issues related to program conduct.
• Additional related duties as assigned

Extension Programming| 35%

• Design, develop, deliver and evaluate 4-H Animal Science programs within the region, using program models that are for all audiences.
• Develop, compile, review, and curate Animal Science-based curriculum and educational resources for staff, youth workers, and volunteers.
• Educate and train staff, youth, adult volunteers, and program partners, ensuring high-quality learning environments are guided by project-based curricula and best practices, and include opportunities for youth to showcase new knowledge and skills.
• Prepare judges to provide meaningful showcase experiences.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in Animal Science education in a youth development context.
• Collaborate with the regional team to deliver impactful educational experiences, including the delivery of club, camp, and showcase experiences.

Service and Engagement | 15%

• Participate in UMN Extension, University of Minnesota, professional, and community service opportunities, including organizations and groups that support Animal Science education for youth.
• Lead efforts to expand 4-H Animal Science programming through internal and external partnerships.
• Contribute to grant writing, secure funding, and cultivate partnerships to sustain and expand program priorities.

Scholarship & Evaluation | 10%

• Conduct program evaluation and communicate impacts and results using a variety of means (e.g., blogs, podcasts, reports, presentations).
• Contribute to the field of youth development by producing scholarly products (e.g., curricula, articles).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree at time of appointment.
• At least two years of post-bachelor's degree professional experience in youth development programs, community-based or non-profit organizations, animal science, agricultural education, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in animal science subject matter.
• Demonstrated experience using data-driven approaches in program design, development, implementation, and reporting
• Demonstrated expertise in written communication.
• Strong oral communication skills.

Additional Requirements

• Valid drivers license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• Willingness and ability to travel in-state and nationally, using a personal vehicle (mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided); may transport supplies, people and related as part of this role.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evening and weekend work that may include occasional overnight accommodations for non-local events.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming and other in-person work within the state of Minnesota.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned office location.
• Reliable phone number that can be used, as needed, for work purposes when not in office location. Reimbursement will not be provided.
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time, deliver/speak/verbally communicate for long periods of time (programming delivery), be present and traverse non-office locations that may include outdoor camps, fairs, farms, and other rugged terrain and work in various and varied weather conditions.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in animal science, agriculture, agricultural education, youth development, human development, adult development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in developing community, agency, business, and corporate partnerships to grow programs.
• Proficiency using technology for communication, teaching, and planning.
• Demonstrated ability in leading teams through program development, implementation, and evaluation processes.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving and engaging all Minnesota Youth
• Demonstrated experience in securing and managing financial resources.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.

Extension's Department of Youth Development fosters vibrant, sustainable and resilient communities by building a force of engaged young people who are able to learn and lead in a global society and a receptive social environment that challenges and supports youth in communities across Minnesota. We do this by studying issues, training youth workers, and delivering the 4-H Youth Development program. For more information about Youth Development: https://extension.umn.edu/families-and-youth

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $64,000 - $78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nations most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.