4-H Youth Program Assistant (part-time position for undergraduate student only)

MU TITLE:  Temporary Professional

LOCATION:  Buchanan County – Saint Joseph, Missouri

The University of Missouri (MU) Office of Extension and Engagement’s distinct land-grant mission is to improve lives, communities and economies by producing relevant, reliable and responsive educational strategies throughout Missouri. Our dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff collaborate with researchers and community leaders to develop and deliver programs that address the needs of Missourians including: educational attainment; environmental concerns; community, economic, business and workforce development; global food systems; and health systems. For more information about MU Extension and Engagement, please visit https://extension2.missouri.edu

MU Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development provides leadership and expertise with developing communities of young people across Missouri who are learning citizenship, leadership, and life skills. 4-H is publicly supported by county, state, and federal partners, as well as private resources to enrich the learning experiences of both youth and adults.  For more information about 4-H, visit http://4h.missouri.edu/ . 

ABOUT THE 4-H YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT POSITION 

Coordinated by the University of Missouri Extension Buchanan County Extension Council.  The goal is to increase the interest of young professionals working for Extension. 

The 11-week paid 4-H Program Assistant experience is open to all undergraduates completing at minimum their first year at a four-year college or university in Missouri. This position will be paid up to $14.00 per hour.  Participation in the program is a competitive process, and once an assistant is selected, the applicant will work in partnership with Missouri 4-H faculty to develop a detailed plan of work that creates an optimal learning experience for the assistant. The plan of work may be catered to the individual student’s interests and the county’s current needs. 

The 2024 assistantship will run from May to early August, exact dates will be coordinated with the student’s schedule.  This position will cover Buchanan County and will be housed in Saint Joseph, Missouri. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• Engage in the day-to-day activities of the County and 4-H program. Shadowing Extension Specialists  
• Participate in planning, marketing, implementing and evaluating of 4-H youth development programs. 
• Coordinate and/or conduct educational events, contests, and programs. 
• Design and lead leadership experiences for youth 
• Participate in 4-H and Extension council meetings 
• Assist with record keeping and report preparation of 4-H Youth Development Programs. 
• Conduct educational or applied research project(s) in consultation with the 4-H Youth Specialist. 
• Participate in training and development opportunities including child abuse and neglect policies, CPR, technology and other skills appropriate for the position. 
• Conduct all activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Acts, Title IX, Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act and local, state and region affirmative action plans. 
• As with all positions, involvement with other duties and responsibilities may be expected in order to support the mission and purpose of MU Extension. 

LEADERSHIP RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 

Administrative supervision is received from the Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development. 

CORE ATTRIBUTES FOR MU EXTENSION STAFF

• Exhibit a high personal standard of excellence, be an effective team player, and demonstrate inclusivity, civility and respect for all.
• Engage stakeholders and learners; maintain positive interpersonal relationships, and exhibit effective written and oral communication skills.
• Operate with minimal guidance, and be a self-directed learner who is flexible and adaptable to changing environments.
• Ensure all youth and adults in the county have an equal opportunity to participate in extension programs which offer a safe environment.

UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

The University of Missouri, also known as Mizzou and MU, is the Flagship University of the four-campus University of Missouri system.  It is the state’s land-grant university and one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States.  MU’s broad undergraduate programs and its’ graduate, professional and research programs attract annual enrollment of more than 30,000 students.  MU is centrally located in Columbia, MO, which is consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities.  MU Extension and Engagement programs are located on all four campuses and in 114 counties and St. Louis city.