Thomas County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent

About This Role

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4‑H youth development program for school-aged youth in cooperation with local community members and extension colleagues. The primary focus of this position is youth development, along with adult volunteer development; youth education program development; membership growth and participation; and community partnership expansion. Programming will include but is not limited to: community club support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create program opportunities with new and existing community partners.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K‑State Research and Extension’s five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow’s leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the K‑State Next-Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Youth Development Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Thomas County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
• May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension’s representative and the extension board.

About Us

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at ksre.k-state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

4‑H provides school-aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research-based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4‑H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4‑H at kansas4‑h.org.

Thomas County is comprised of six communities. It is home to three unified school districts and is the economic hub of northwest Kansas. Colby, the county seat, is located on I-70, 53 mi from the Colorado border and is known as the "Oasis of the Plains." The Thomas County Extension team consists of two agents, one office professional and an annual summer intern, who work together to serve Thomas County's approximately 7,800 residents with research-based educational programming and initiatives.

Thomas County has a vibrant 4-H Youth Development program with four active 4-H clubs, comprised of 132 enrolled members and 24 adult volunteers.

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of Thomas County. The county's extension office is in Colby, KS.

Work for this position is on site in the Thomas County Extension office and at locations throughout the county.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
  • The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge and skills for the role and can credibly convey research concepts required to deliver extension services. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through a formal degree.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.

Licenses and certifications:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

Additional expectations:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree.
• Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

Skills and attributes:

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• a cover letter,
• a resume,
• and a copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received.
  • An unofficial transcript is sufficient.

You will also be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2025.

Salary, Benefits and Professional Development

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of benefits.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents.