Program Specialist - WVU Extension Service (Agriculture/Doddridge and Ritchie Counties)

West Virginia University

West Union, WV

ID: 7140023
Posted: April 14, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Description

West Virginia University Extension Service (WVUES) is currently accepting applications for a Program Specialist (Agriculture/Doddridge and Ritchie Counties).

About the Opportunity

The Program Specialist will promote and deliver educational programs that will enhance the productivity, economic vitality, and sustainability of agricultural and natural resources industries in Doddridge and Ritchie counties.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

37.5 hour work week
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year
18 sick days per year, and the flexibility to use that time to care for immediate family members
WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
Wellness programs
What you'll do:

Provide programming and educational leadership for the youth agriculture programs as well as special interest programs such as shooting sports, Envirothon, and ATV safety. Manage, coordinate, and enhance involvement in the county 4-H youth livestock and natural resource programs, 4-H clubs, camps, special interest groups, livestock shows and sales, as well as various judging teams and other 4-H competitive events.
Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Agriculture, emphasizing livestock and farm, natural resource, horticulture, pest management, and farmers markets that result in positive community impacts.
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming at the county level.
Collaborate with county Extension staff to present a unified and coordinated county WVU Extension program

Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required in an agriculture-related field of study.
At least 2 years of experience in an agricultural field.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and computer skills are required, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse audiences.
Demonstrated leadership and experience working with government agencies and other federal/state partners, community groups, etc., is desirable.
Must possess the ability to manage and supervise volunteers and develop resources to meet program expectations.

Requirements

Ability to lift and carry materials needed to conduct trainings and perform duties of the position - Moderately
Willingness to work flexible work hours, including some nights and weekends - Moderately
Ability to meet travel demands of position (occasional overnight stays) such as 4-H youth camps, conferences, and professional development session/trainings. - Occasionally

About WVU

At West Virginia University, we leverage our talents and resources to create a better future for our state and the world. As West Virginia's land-grant university, WVU has three campuses that touch each corner of the state. The WVU System includes 518 buildings on 15,880 acres, Extension Service offices in all 55 counties, ten experimental farms and four forests.

From the groundbreaking R1 research of our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs of WVU Potomac State in Keyser to the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley — the contributions of WVU employees directly impact the 1.8 million people of West Virginia every day, no matter their role or position.