I have an interview with UT (University of Tennessee) next week for an County Extension Agent position in 4-H and Youth Development. I've done a ton of work in environmental education, and have been a certified teacher in Biology and Math for the past 5 years.

The job description looks like this:

RESPONSIBILITIES for this position will include:
Plans, executes, and evaluates 4-H Youth Development (100%) educational programs.
Implements, evaluates, and reports 4-H Youth Development Programs related to organization, leadership, recognition, sponsorship, etc.
Assumes responsibility for all youth projects, activities, shows, events, and committees.
Secures and trains volunteer leaders and serves as an educational resource for educational youth programs within the county.
Responsible to the County Extension Director and must keep current on the latest research information in youth development.
Secure extramural funds to support Extension programs via grants, fee-based programs, and gifts.
Obtain sponsorship for all youth activities and programs with assistance from county staff members when appropriate.
Provides leadership for a program of activities that meets the needs of all eligible clientele regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, or veteran status.
Assume other duties as assigned.

I have to do a 15 minute presentation over the following:

"******" County 4-H: A Vision to Make the Best Better

Does anyone have experience in these positions, or a connection I could talk to that does Extension (I'm assuming it is similar throughout the country). TIA.

Do you have a pulse and a clean record?

You are qualified to be a 4H extension agent.

At least based on the recent hires I have seen around us.


Seriously I'd focus on developing leadership skills, how you have adapted to new tasks and trained those around you to do the same, and show some experience in an aspect of agriculture (preferably livestock).

Quote:

---

I'd focus on developing leadership skills, how you have adapted to new tasks and trained those around you to do the same, and show some experience in an aspect of agriculture (preferably livestock).

---

Fightingfarmer has given good advice. I've spent my whole life around the 4-H program, both as member then as a parent of 4-Hers. Today's 4-H is different than it was when I was young - there is much more emphasis on community development today than before when most all 4-Hers were 'livestock show' kids. An example of broadening its scope is Robotics programs; we've had parents on this board post about supporting their kids clubs for these competitions. Don't be afraid to mention technology integration; the Texas 4-H Program has a Tech Team each year comprised of kids around the state that are in charge of social media programs before the annual Roundup as well as creating content for presentations for that event. Of course community service is a big part of the program and tying all of these different skills and programs to serve the community is the main goal.

Just trying to give you some info apart from the traditional "kids, kows, & more" 4-H reputation.

Program planning and development. Bring mockup programs to the table and demonstrate ability to launch and sustain youth development programming.

Be sure to consider post-COVID-19 realities.

Thanks for all the advice. In my career past, I worked in community programming for zoos, aquariums, and nature centers and nature preserves. So, I'm going to focus on these past experiences when doing my presentation. I'm also going to highlight the various leadership skills I've used as part of working in this field.

Really want to get out of public school teaching, so we'll see where this lands me. Pay is probably not a big concern - teaching pays about the same.

You will likely find that the parents of 4H'ers are much more involved with their child's activities than your average public school child/parent

Likely better behaved and prepared as well.

Best of luck with the interview. I've worked with numerous County Agents....some great and some OK. For your interview I would reach out to the local DVMs in the area and get some info on what works well and what's been missing. Same for the school Ag Teachers. It's a small network which serves most of the same kinds of folks.

Ok, so I didn't get the previous job (was their 2nd candidate - person offered the job had a ton of actual extension experience, whereas mine is similar, but not specifically in extension), but, they encouraged me to apply again, and were very complimentary of my presentation, my experience with a variety of youth programs and my "teacher of the year" award I got a year ago.

I've been communicating with the Eastern Regional Director (who was the main interviewer), letting him know what jobs I've applied for and he's been giving me feedback, letting me know when they'd be going through resumes and potentially interviewing. So, I've got another interview in 2 weeks.

The position is the same type as before; it's just a further away (about 45 minutes to an hour). There are 2 other positions I recently applied for that are closer, but beggars can't be choosers. I just want to get in at UT Knoxville, in small part to get my PHD for free, but also, to again work in my field of choice.

Good luck zooguy96 with your upcoming interview. I'm not much help. My last engagement with 4-H was in 1993. It's a great program. I'm sure a lot has changed over the years.

zooguy96 said:

---

I just want to get in at UT Knoxville, in small part to get my PHD for free, but also, to again work in my field of choice.

---

I'm assuming you have already looked in to it but if you haven't I would verify that you get to go to school for free. A part of the reason I chose Extension was I thought A&M system employees got free tuition to system schools, which beats the hell out of an assistantship.

I was wrong.

I've already researched it. That's not the main reason I want the job. It's just a side benefit.

Good luck.