4-H Youth Program Advisor (Jones/Mellette)

South Dakota State University, United States

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Murdo, SOUTH DAKOTA
Deadline: ;

Posting Details
Posting Details


Logo
Institution South Dakota State University
Working Title 4-H Youth Program Advisor (Jones/Mellette)
Posting Number NFE02258P
Department SDSU-4-H Programs
Physical Location of Position (City) Murdo
Posting Text
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of South Dakota (SD) youth? At South Dakota State University (SDSU) our mission in South Dakota 4-H is to engage all youth in positive youth development and prepare them to lead lives of possibility through experiential learning and mentoring relationships. We are looking to hire a people-centered, strong collaborator who is creative, innovative, interested in non-formal education, and committed to helping others grow and develop. This is a hands-on lead teaching position for education and youth development professionals. The selected individual will develop and teach educational programs both in school and out-of-school settings, manage volunteers, work with local stakeholders, and more. This position is located in Murdo and White River, South Dakota and is a 12-month, full-time, benefits-eligible position.  
 
South Dakota 4‑H is a community that provides experiences for young people to learn by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, arts, citizenship, and others, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Young people experience 4‑H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and state 4-H opportunities. We recognize that the youth of today are our future leaders and what they learn and experience in 4-H will help them develop into contributing citizens who will give back to their communities in the future.
 
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.  Sponsorship is not available for this position.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Serve as the 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Jones and Mellette Counties, providing 4-H program and policy supervision as well as direct education in support of outreach goals;
  • Manage local 4-H operational elements identified as priorities in accordance with all policies and procedures administered by the SDSU Extension and South Dakota 4-H; 
  • Develop and deliver educational programs in the programming priority areas of leadership skills, life skills, social skills, and workforce development; 
  • Periodically conduct needs assessments and/or research to identify community needs and then develop programs to address identified needs; 
  • Establish working relationships and coalitions with other youth-serving groups to ensure maximum opportunities for youth; 
  • Conduct in-school enrichment programs with local schools in the county; and
  • Provide leadership for volunteer management, including identification, orientation, training, recognition, and evaluation of both youth and adult volunteers;
  • Maintain an effective and efficient communication network with County Commissioners, other County officials, 4-H Youth Program Advisors, Extension Field Specialists, the public, and other stakeholders; 
  • Support the mission, vision, and philosophy of South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension, and South Dakota 4-H while adhering to all policies and procedures; 
  • Provide educational and curricular support to statewide 4-H programs as assigned; 
  • Position does require some evening and weekend work and travel.  Occasional overnight stays for events and training are required; and
  • All other duties as assigned.


 
BENEFITS:
South Dakota State University offers a wide range of excellent benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays.  Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines.   Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Child, Youth, or Human Development, Education, or other related fields with relevant youth development experience and course work completed by first day of employment; 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication skills
  • Excellent written communication skills; 
  • Demonstrated organizational and time management skills; 
  • Ability to work as a contributing member of a team;
  • Demonstrated experience in planning, teaching, and evaluating educational programs for a variety of youth audiences;
  • Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
  • Must be able to use a computer for basic word processing, electronic communications, and reporting; and 
  • Valid driver’s license and automobile, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Previous 4-H or similar youth development experience;
  • Demonstrated ability to manage local 4-H operational elements including event management, budget, volunteer and support staff supervision, and committee coordination; 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead volunteer groups and committees and to work with other youth-serving groups/coalitions to maximize opportunities for youth; 
  • Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals or grants to support new and/or enhanced programming;
  • Experience in publishing materials and/or curricula.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS:
This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.  
 
Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.   
 
South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment.   It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.  
Posting Date 02/15/2024
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 03/07/2024
Advertised Salary The starting salary for this position is $43,000.
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search External (includes Internal)
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Travel, Overnight stays, Valid Drivers License
If other, please indicate
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
As the outreach arm of our state’s 1862 land grant university (South Dakota State University), SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-businesses, communities, families, homeowners, residents, and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed. SDSU Extension meets the changing needs of South Dakotans with progressive outreach services, ranging from one-on-one interaction and forums to 24/7 online access through the system’s extension website. SDSU Extension organizes program outreach across four program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources, Food & Families, Community Vitality, and 4-H Youth Development.
South Dakota 4-H is the state’s largest youth development program! With a presence in every county across the state, South Dakota 4-H teaches life skills and content knowledge to young people ages 5 to 18. While every community is different, and so programs may look different depending on the community, our 4-H advisors lead in-school enrichment programs, agri-science experiences and projects, food and consumer projects, natural resource and outdoor education experiences, communication and performing arts projects, develop STEM programs, and support one of the nation’s largest shooting sports and rodeo programs. South Dakota 4-H has something for everyone to be a part of! 
As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.
COMMUNITY PROFILE:
Jones County - Jones County is South Dakota’s smallest county with less than 1,000 permanent residents. The County is home to two cities/towns: the City of Murdo (County Seat) and the Town of Draper. The county’s major industries include ranching and seasonal tourism. Murdo sits on the I-90 corridor, bringing in much business and tourism into the small community. Shopping opportunities are limited to one grocery store and two convenience stores. Year-round dinning includes a drive-in, pizza restaurant, and two bars. Other restaurants are open only seasonally. The County has one school system based in Murdo. Recreation opportunities include endless hunting and fishing, local community events, Ft. Pierre National Grasslands, and nearby Badlands National Park. The closest hospital to Murdo is in Pierre, SD. Pierre also serves as the closest regional hub to Murdo (~55 miles Northeast of Pierre). The closest cities to Murdo are Sioux Falls, SD (~210 miles East) and Rapid City, SD (~140 miles West). 
 
Mellette County – Mellette County is home to about 1,900 permanent residents. The County has two cities/towns: the City of White River (County Seat) and the Town of Wood. The county’s major industry is ranching. The County has a large Native American population and has expansive tracts of off-reservation trust land. Shopping opportunities are limited to one grocery store and some other smaller local stores. Dinning includes two sit-down restaurants and one seasonally open drive-in. There is one school district that serves the county. Recreation opportunities include hunting, fishing, and nearby Badlands National Park. The closest hospital to White River is in Winner, SD. The closest regional hubs are Valentine, NE (~50 miles South), Winner, SD (~55 miles West), and Pierre, SD (~80 miles Northeast). The closest cities to White River are Sioux Falls, SD (~230 miles East) and Rapid City, SD (~160 miles West).
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed,  national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other status that may become protected in the offering of all educational programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing [email protected].  Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact:  Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD  57007.  Phone:  (605) 688-4128.
Contact Information
For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Oakley G. Perry at [email protected] or call 605-688-4167.