4-H Youth Development Program Assistant - WVU Extension, 4H Youth Development Hancock County

West Virginia University Extension Service (WVUES) is seeking applications for a full-time 4-H Program Assistant for Hancock County.

About the Opportunity:

Based in New Cumberland, WV, this position supports the Extension Agent in managing the 4-H Youth Development Program in Hancock County. The Program Assistant is supervised and evaluated by the 4-H Extension Agent in accordance with WVU Extension policies. This position requires occasional evening, weekend, and overnight hours, including mandatory overnight attendance at 4-H camp during the summer.

• We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits at a pro-rated basis, including:
• Paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• Annual leave (vacation) days per year
• Sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof).
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits (this position is a benefits-eligible, staff position).
• 401 (a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for health insurance and other benefits? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What you'll do:

• Implement all policies in accordance with West Virginia University and WVU Extension.
• Assist the 4-H Extension Agent in expanding the 4-H program by reaching new audiences through multiple delivery methods.
  
  
  
  • This includes maintaining communication with club leaders and volunteers to ensure timely completion of enrollment and chartering materials.
  
  
  
  
• Actively recruit new members and promote participation in 4-H clubs.
• Help manage the financial accountability of local 4-H organizations and oversee club chartering processes.
• Manage 4-H enrollment databases and support the coordination of meetings, workshops, camps, and events.
• Maintain accurate records using spreadsheets for budgeting, camp planning, and event logistics.
• Assist the Extension Agent with designing, developing, and coordinating 4-H events that meet the needs of local youth.
• Help plan and carry out educational activities at local fairs and public events.
  
  
  
  • The role includes supporting various county-level contests-such as poster, photo, writing, and public presentation contests - by recruiting volunteers, judges, participants, and leaders.
  
  
  
  
• Gather data and evaluations for each event and help market 4-H youth development programs to the public.
• Attend Hancock County 4-H Camp and stay overnight as needed to provide program support.
• Assist with the recruitment, screening, training, and support of both teen and adult volunteers.
• Help recruit new club leaders and manage volunteer vetting procedures according to WVU policy.
• Maintain accurate volunteer records in the 4-H database system.
• Serve as the primary contact for volunteer communications and roles and will assist the 4-H Extension Agent in planning, delivering, and evaluating volunteer trainings.
• Prepare and distribute age-appropriate materials that support high-quality education programs.
• Present 4-H programs in various venues including schools, after-school programs, day camps, and other community locations.
• In collaboration with the Extension Agent, the Program Assistant will assist in delivering training to both teen and adult volunteers.
• Create professional materials such as newsletters, flyers, and brochures that meet WVU branding standards.
• Assist in the submission of local, state, and federal reports, including those required by grantors.
• Under the direction of the 4-H Extension Agent, they will attend or help conduct monthly meetings for groups such as the 4-H Leaders Association, 4-H Teen Leaders, and others as assigned by the 4-H Extension Agent.

Pay Grade: 12

Work Hours: 30 hours per week / 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred in education, youth development, agriculture, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of related work or volunteer experience, preferably in youth programming, education, or community engagement.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Publisher, and Powerpoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with youth, parents, volunteers, and community members.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement educational activities and events.
• Experience working with volunteers, including recruitment, training, and coordination.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, manage budgets, and use enrollments and data tracking systems.
• Strong time management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lift and transport materials up to 50 pounds for event and program setup.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation (mileage reimbursement provided).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnights (especially for 4-H amp, fairs, and other events as needed).
• Must pass a background check and maintain compliance with WVU policies regarding youth protection and volunteer vetting.
• Ability to uphold confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all duties.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using Z-Suites

• Valid Driver's License

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.