AI summary
Full-time Extension faculty role leading 4-H Youth Development programming in Elbert County, designing and delivering non-credit education for youth (and some adult) audiences across diverse project areas. You’ll represent Colorado State University locally, working closely with county partners, volunteers, schools, and CSU Extension teams to build impactful community-based programs. Standout perk: CSU highlights a robust benefits package and work-life balance focus, with possible hybrid flexibility while maintaining in-office presence.
Key skills
4-H Youth Development programmingPositive youth development principlesVolunteer management and developmentProgram development, implementation and evaluationImpact reporting for educational programsCommunity engagement and partnership buildingGrant writing and resource development (grants/sponsorships/contracts)Budget management and fiscal complianceEducational technology and media for outreachValid driver's license (or ability to obtain)
Pays $53,000–$82,000, a typical range for a county-based Extension specialist role.
You'll thrive here if you enjoy building community partnerships and leading volunteer-powered 4-H programs while designing, delivering, and evaluating youth development education across varied subject areas.
Why apply
- Robust CSU benefits package
- Work-life balance focus
- Hybrid flexibility may be available
Job Description Position Summary: This is a full-time, twelve (12) month,
non-tenure track Extension faculty position. Faculty rank is dependent upon the
candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to
review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment,
evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of
Extension Faculty: educate, create, and connect. The person in this role divides
time accordingly: educate 50%, create 30%, and connect 20%. Candidates are
sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and
educational activities in the Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) and CSU
Extension. The Elbert County 4-H Youth Development Specialist will provide
leadership in the development, implementation, evaluation, and reporting of
youth development educational programming in Elbert County and assist
neighboring counties as appropriate. Programming responsibilities may include
support of 4-H projects in livestock, horse, shooting sports, STEM, natural
resources, and general projects, along with volunteer development and leadership
support. Final programmatic responsibilities will be determined by the
education, experience, and strengths of the successful candidate. This
individual works as a member of the Elbert County Extension team and as a local
representative of Colorado State University. The position reports to the Elbert
County Extension Director and works collaboratively with CSU Extension
specialists, county staff, volunteers, advisory groups, schools, agricultural
producers, and community organizations. The primary office location for this
position is the Elbert County Extension Office in Kiowa, Colorado. The work
schedule will vary, and evening and weekend work will be necessary. Periodic
travel and occasional overnight stays are required. Hybrid work flexibility may
be available while maintaining a consistent in-office presence to effectively
support programming and community engagement. For full consideration, all
materials must be RECEIVED no later than 12:00 AM Mountain Time on Tuesday, June
16, 2026. Please submit the following to apply: CV Cover Letter Special Required
Documentation – Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable
“Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet
point separately. For questions regarding the application process, contact the
Talent Acquisition office at . For questions regarding the
job vacancy, responsibilities, and salary, please contact Trent Hollister at
. Essential Job Duties: Develop, implement,
evaluate, and report impacts of non-credit educational programming for youth and
adult audiences in Elbert County. Provide leadership and support for county 4-H
programming, including volunteer development, project support, youth leadership,
and community engagement. Collaborate with local government, schools, advisory
groups, community organizations, and agricultural partners to identify needs and
deliver educational programming. Use technology, media resources, and innovative
educational methods to increase access to Extension programs and information.
Identify and secure resources including grants, sponsorships, contracts, in-kind
contributions, and cost recovery opportunities to support educational
programming. Participate in Extension work teams and collaborate with CSU
faculty and Extension professionals to support statewide initiatives and
information delivery. Manage program funds and reporting requirements in
compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and procedures. Develop and
maintain strong working relationships with county commissioners, volunteers,
community leaders, industry partners, and underserved audiences. Conditions of
Employment: Pre-employment Criminal Background Check required for new hires.
Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license
by the start date. Travel including day travel, overnight travel, evening and
weekend activities, and occasional transportation of 4-H youth and/or
volunteers. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the
United States by the proposed start date; the Office of Engagement and Extension
will not sponsor a visa for this position. Supervision: May supervise
volunteers, temporary staff, and student employees associated with 4-H Youth
Development programming. Minimum Qualifications: Completed bachelor’s degree.
Conferred degree may be in Extension education, youth development, agricultural
sciences, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related field
relevant to the responsibilities of the position. Coursework and/or professional
experience that demonstrates a broad understanding of positive youth development
principles. Three or more years of professional experience relevant to youth
development, Extension programming, volunteer management, agriculture, or
related educational programming. Preferred Qualifications: Completed master’s
degree in Extension education, youth development, agricultural sciences, social
sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related field. Demonstrated
experience working with 4-H Youth Development programming, volunteers, and
community-based educational initiatives. Knowledge and experience related to
livestock, horse, STEM, shooting sports, agriculture, natural resources, or
related youth project areas. Experience with budgetary accountability and
securing external funding through grants, sponsorships, contracts, or fee-based
programming. Evidence of ability to develop relationships with colleagues,
volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions,
define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired
outcomes. Salary Range $53,000 - $82,000 Required Application Documents To
apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials
fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials
that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or
graduation from an educational institution. Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Special
Required Documentation Employee Benefits Colorado State University is not just a
workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the
human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a
robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life
balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review
our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working
at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our
compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort
Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in! Background Check
Policy Statement Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study,
work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To
support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU
conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of
background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not
limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history,
financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be
conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the
University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so. EEO Colorado State University
(CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment
and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race,
color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics,
protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or
any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by
its land-grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence
and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in
teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of
Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to
learn more about CSU's perks and purpose. Current employees will need to apply
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