Assistant Extension Agent, 4-H

Are you looking for a rewarding career that will let you give back to your community? NC State Extension extends research-based knowledge to all North Carolinians, helping them transform science into everyday solutions that improve their lives and grow our state. We are the model of excellence in non-formal, research-based education that advances agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, youth and communities, while creating prosperity for all North Carolinians. Check out this video on what it’s like to work for NC State Extension.

No two days in Extension are ever the same, there is always something new! Extension Agents are active in their communities and often need to meet the clients when and where they are available. This is not your typical desk job!

While our employees are located in NC County offices, they reap the benefits of employment at NC State University. Some of our benefits include:

• Paid time off
• Paid tuition
• Health Insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• Retirement Savings
• Supplemental Benefits Programs
• WolfPerks!

You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

North Carolina Cooperative Extension gives our residents easy access to the resources and expertise of NC State University and NC A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, Cooperative Extension field faculty deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina citizens.

Sampson County is the #1 agricultural county in North Carolina, with a strong rural base and a growing need for youth development, prevention programming, and leadership opportunities.

Position Overview

The 4-H Extension Agent is a faculty member of NC State University and serves as a professional educator with primary responsibility for leading a comprehensive 4-H Youth Development program in Sampson County. This position provides leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating research-based youth programs that develop life skills, leadership, and citizenship in youth ages 5–19.

The agent works collaboratively with Extension colleagues, county government, community partners, and volunteers to deliver high-quality programming that reflects local needs and priorities.

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Lead, develop, and evaluate a comprehensive county 4-H program, including clubs, school enrichment, after school programs, camps, and special interest programs.
• Conduct needs assessments and align programming with community priorities and emerging youth issues.
• Ensure programs are research-based and measurable in impact.

Supervision & Staff Management

• Directly supervise three program assistants:
  • 1 – 4-H Program Assistant
  • 2 – JCPC Program Assistants
• Provide leadership in hiring, training, work planning, evaluation, and day-to-day supervision.
• Foster a strong team culture focused on accountability and program delivery.

JCPC & Grant Program Management

• Manage Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) programs, including:
  • Teen Court / Restitution
  • Youth Inspire
  • Prevention programs
• Oversee multiple grant-funded programs, including budgeting, compliance, reporting, and program outcomes.
• Coordinate with county leadership and funding agencies to ensure program success and sustainability.

Financial & Budget Management

• Develop and manage program budgets, including grant and fee-based funding sources.
• Receive and track program revenues, including fees, donations, and other funding streams.
• Identify funding opportunities, write and manage grants, and ensure deliverables are met.
• Ensure all expenditures comply with grant requirements as well as Sampson County and NC State University financial policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate financial records and documentation to support audits and reporting requirements.
• Meet all financial deadlines, including reporting, invoicing, and budget reconciliation.

Volunteer Development & Community Engagement

• Recruit, train, and support adult and teen volunteers.
• Build partnerships with schools, agencies, and community organizations.
• Engage advisory groups and stakeholders in program planning and evaluation.

Program Promotion & Outreach

• Market 4-H programs through local media, digital platforms, and community engagement.
• Promote participation at county, district, and state levels.
• Expand program reach to underserved audiences.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

Timely response to client requests for specific and technical information regarding youth education and related topics. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain and increase personal professional competencies. The candidate must be flexible to allow for changing responsibilities as needed. District and State level youth and professional development events that require overnight travel.

Number of Permanent Employees this Position Supervises:

3

Percent of Time Spent:

20%

Identify if the Position is Mandatory / Essential / Key:

Not Applicable

Work Schedule:

Standard office hours with flexibility. Regular evening and weekend programming required

Minimum Experience/Education:

One of the following educational requirements: – A Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 overall or a 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) in child or youth development or related field. The minimum GPA requirement will be waived for NCCE Program Associates with a Bachelor’s degree. – A Bachelor’s degree and the completion of at least one-half of coursework in a Master’s degree curriculum with a cumulative grade point average 3.0 or higher with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field, or – Completion of a Master’s degree with at least one of the degrees in child or youth development or related field.

Department Required Skills:

• Experience working with broad audiences.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and establish priorities.
• Ability to be self-directed and work independently.
• Leadership skills.
• Social skills to communicate effectively.

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education:

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with 4-H or Cooperative Extension programming
• Experience supervising staff
• Grant writing and grant management experience
• Experience working with at-risk or court-involved youth populations

Required License or Certification:

NA

Valid NC Driver's License required?:

Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?:

No

Physical Required?:

No

Anticipated Hiring Range:

Minimum $40,000–$45,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Internal Transfer Only:

No

Job Open Date:

05/11/2026