Extension Educator, Youth Development, STEM & Agriscience (2 positions)

About the Job

Title: Extension Educator, Youth Development, STEM & Agriscience

Job code: 9624YS (Asst Ext Prof-Yth STEM/Ag/An S)

Employee Group: Professional & Administrative Full/Part Time (FTE): 100%

Appointment: Two full-time positions, 100% Appointment

Office location:

Position 1 - Southwest Region: Extension Regional Office options of Marshall, Morris, Willmar

Position 2 - Southeast Region: Extension Regional Office options of Rochester or Mankato. These are in-person positions, where hybrid or flexible work options may be available.

Salary Range: $64,000 - $78,000; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and experience.

Apply by: September 28, 2026

About the Job

The Regional Youth Development Extension Educator (Regional Educator) works with a team of educators across a multi-county region (southeast or southwest) and statewide to provide educational leadership for 4-H Youth Development STEM and Agriscience 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.

These positions lead regional STEM & Agriscience programs and serve on the statewide function team to design and deliver local, regional, and state STEM & Agriscience education that:

• Expand 4-H participation by engaging youth through clubs, camps, after-school programs, and other learning opportunities.

• Build the capacity of local 4-H staff to deliver high-quality STEM and agriscience programming by providing training, coaching, and ready-to-use resources that increase confidence and competence.

• Build and sustain partnerships with postsecondary institutions, industry, and workforce organizations to strengthen youth career readiness by aligning 4-H programming with STEM and agriculture workforce needs.

• Prepares youth for postsecondary education and career pathways through hands-on, career-connected learning that builds academic, technical, and workforce readiness skills while supporting them in exploring options, setting goals, and navigating pathways to college, certifications, and STEM and agriculture careers. .

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 STEM & Agriscience Director.

Location and Work Environment

Position 1 - Southwest Region:

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

Position 2 - Southeast Region:

This position is located in an Extension office in the Southeast region: Rochester or Mankato, with potential for hybrid options. Weekly travel throughout the southeast region, and occasional travel throughout the state, which includes overnights, 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 and events, scheduled in advance.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership 40%

• Lead the development of regional 4-H STEM & Agriscience programs in collaboration with locally-based 4-H Extension educators. Ensure alignment with state STEM & Agriscience priorities while addressing local community needs and departmental goals.

• Design new and innovative program approaches to enhance local and regional 4-H STEM & Agriscience education to prepare youth for work and life.

• Collect and use data to inform 4-H STEM & Agriscience program decisions. Engage audiences and partners in developing data-driven local program plans with goals and strategies that achieve program growth, audience retention, access, and equity.

• Collaborate with the state 4-H STEM & Agriscience team to lead and support statewide programs, such as 4-H & FFA crop scouting, Minnesota State Fair 4-H Building experiences, virtual programs such as 4-H Science Sprouts, 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.

• 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.

• Facilitate solutions to questions, concerns, and issues related to program conduct.

• Identify volunteers and community partners to support program implementation and long-term sustainability.

• 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.

• Additional related duties as assigned

Extension Programming 35%

• Deliver 4-H STEM & Agriscience programs within the region, using program models that are for all audiences.

• Develop, compile, review, and curate STEM & Agriscience-based curriculum and educational resources for staff, youth workers, and volunteers.

• Teach 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 subject matter expert in STEM & Agriscience 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 4-H STEM & Agriscience education for youth.

• Lead efforts to expand 4-H STEM & Agriscience 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, public administration, community-based or non-profit organizations, STEM education, agricultural education, or related fields.
• Demonstrated expertise in science, technology, engineering, math, or agricultural 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 to travel in-state and nationally, using a personal vehicle (mileage and sustenance reimbursement provided).
• 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.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the assigned office location.
• Reliable alternate phone number that can be used, as needed, for work purposes. 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, fields, 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 science, technology, engineering, math, agriculture, youth development, human development, adult development, community 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 experience in securing and managing financial resources.

About the Department

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota 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; The salary determination will be made at the time of offer and is dependent on education, qualifications, and 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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following required attachments with your online application:

• Cover letter - Include your position/location preference(s).
• Resume or CV

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

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.