Student Intern - Cooperative Extension

JOB SUMMARY: The Student Intern provides undergraduate students with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience within the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program. The 12-week internship provides experiential learning opportunities across multiple Extension disciplines, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Community Resource Development, and 4-H Youth Development. The Student Intern works with Extension professionals to support educational programming, outreach activities, applied research, demonstrations, program evaluations, and community-based initiatives. The internship is designed to provide practical experience and professional development for students interested in Cooperative Extension, public service, education, agriculture, and community-based programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Assist Extension agents and specialists with the planning, coordination, and delivery of educational programs and outreach activities.
• Support the implementation of Extension events, including youth summer camps, field days, workshops, community programs, and other educational activities.
• Develop and contribute to educational and outreach materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, social media content, presentations, and other communications.
• Participate in applied research, demonstrations, and program evaluations, including data collection and basic data analysis.
• Support routine farm operations, including crop and livestock management, when applicable to the assigned internship.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for Extension programs, events, meetings, and activities.
• Engage with diverse audiences, including youth, families, farmers, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Attend professional meetings, trainings, seminars, and other activities designed to enhance understanding of Cooperative Extension systems and career pathways.
• Maintain weekly activity logs and complete a final report or presentation summarizing internship activities and experiences.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Previous experience or demonstrated interest in Cooperative Extension, community engagement, agriculture, youth programming, education, or related areas.
• Interest in careers involving public service, education, outreach, agriculture, community development, or related fields.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and electronic communication tools.
• Ability to learn and apply basic data collection, recordkeeping, and data management practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with Extension professionals, University personnel, community members, youth, families, farmers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to participate in both office-based and field-based activities.
• Demonstrated dependability, professionalism, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

OTHER DUTIES: Other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.
• Academic interest in agriculture, family and consumer sciences, youth development, community development, education, natural resources, or a related field.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to participate in office, community, and field-based activities.
• Effective communication and organizational skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The position involves a combination of indoor office work and outdoor field activities. Travel to Extension sites, educational programs, community events, and other project locations throughout Kentucky may be required. The position may require occasional evening or weekend work in support of camps, workshops, field days, community programs, and other Extension activities. Physical activities may include standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of materials or equipment weighing up to 25–40 pounds. Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and outdoor environments. Reasonable accommodation will be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.