Virginia Cooperative Extension is seeking applications for the position of Extension Programming Associate Youth Animal Sciences. The successful candidate will be nontenure track, administrative/professional faculty. The ideal candidate will blend superior leadership, organizational, attention to detail, and logistical skills with experience in and a passion for working with youth animal sciences extension programming. The position will work in coordination with the Extension Youth Animal Science Specialist and Extension Youth Animal Sciences programs team to lead, organize, implement, manage, market, and evaluate youth (4H & FFA) Animal Sciences programs, competitions, events and curriculum on the state level and offer expertise, training, and leadership to VA youth participating in National events. Candidate will participate fully in the policies and programs of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the School of Animal Sciences. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, including education and experience. This is a full-time, restricted 12-month appointment. The position will be located in Blacksburg, VA on the campus of Virginia Tech.

Required Qualifications

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with at least one degree in agriculture related field. A background and experience with youth programming, experience with a variety of species that would be included in youth animal sciences programming, especially equine experience and knowledge, and youth competition planning and organization. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong leadership ability required to motivate and manage volunteers and possess strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. Organizational skills are required, along with the ability to work and collaborate as part of the youth animal sciences programming team – sharing responsibilities for various programs, competitions, and events across species – with an emphasis on positive youth development. The successful candidate will work with Extension Agents, volunteer leaders, and industry stakeholders, to provide leadership and assistance for numerous events encompassing a variety of youth animal science focused species. Computer applications and software aptitude, including web site management is required. Candidates must have the ability and willingness to travel, along with the ability to be self-motivated, work independently and excel in event planning and execution. Some night and weekend work is necessary dependent on events.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in an agriculture-related field; Extension programming experience and expertise preferred.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Commensurate with Experience

Review Date

07/14/2023

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.