Extension Area Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, Southeast Area, Prowers County

This is a full-time, twelve (12) month, non-tenure track Extension faculty position. Faculty rank is dependent upon the candidate’s academic credentials and professional experience and is subject to review by the Extension Promotion Committee. The faculty appointment, evaluation, and promotion standards are centered around the three core duties of Extension Faculty – educate, create, and connect and the person in this role divides time accordingly: educate 50%, create 35%, and connect 15%,. Candidates are sought with interests that complement and expand upon current initiatives and education activities in OEE and CSU Extension.

The Southeast Area 4-H Youth Development Specialist in Prowers County will provide leadership in the development, implementation, delivery, evaluation, and reporting of a comprehensive youth development program serving Prowers County and collaborating across the seven-county Southeast Area of Colorado (Baca, Bent, Cheyenne, Crowley, Kiowa, Otero, and Prowers). Programming responsibilities include a wide range of 4-H project areas such as livestock, horse, natural resources, STEM, shooting sports, and general projects, with a strong emphasis on volunteer development, leadership cultivation, and expanding inclusive, community-responsive programming. Colorado State University (CSU) Extension, housed within the Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE), fulfills the land-grant mission by increasing access to applied, research-based education for individuals and communities across Colorado and beyond. The Southeast Area is a predominantly rural, agriculturally focused region where youth development programming plays a vital role in supporting community vitality. Learn more at https://extension.colostate.edu and https://extension.colostate.edu/southeast-area/ .

This individual works as a member of the Southeast Area Extension team and as a representative of Colorado State University. The position reports to the Southeast Area Extension Director and works collaboratively with CSU Extension specialists, area and county staff, the Southern Region Director, and the CSU State 4-H Office, as well as volunteers, advisory groups, schools, agricultural producers, and community organizations to develop and deliver high-quality programming that meets regional needs. The role includes leadership in program development, volunteer management, partnership building, and strengthening program capacity across the area.

The primary office location for this position is in Lamar, Colorado. Regular travel throughout the Southeast Area is required, including periodic overnight stays, and time may be flexed to maintain a 40-hour work week. The individual is expected to maintain a consistent office presence to effectively carry out responsibilities. The work schedule will vary and will include frequent evening and weekend commitments.

Essential Job Duties

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate research-based 4-H and youth development programming in response to local and regional needs, including in-school, after-school, and community-based settings.
• Provide leadership and guidance to 4-H members, clubs, councils, ambassadors, and volunteer leaders, including recruitment, training, and ongoing support.
• Collaborate with local governments, schools, and community-based organizations to design, implement, and report impactful educational programs for youth and adult audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Extension staff, CSU faculty, advisory groups, community leaders, and diverse stakeholders to identify needs and enhance program reach and effectiveness.
• Develop and implement inclusive programming that engages diverse and underserved audiences while ensuring compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.
• Secure and manage program resources, including grants, contracts, and cost-recovery efforts, and ensure compliance with CSU and county fiscal policies and reporting requirements.
• Utilize effective communication methods, including teaching, public presentations, written materials, and technology, to deliver programming and share program impacts.
• Travel regularly throughout the Southeast Area to conduct programming, attend meetings, participate in professional development, and support regional collaboration, including occasional overnight stays.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
• Ability to travel
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; Extension will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Supervision

• May supervise Prowers County support staff.
• May supervise volunteers, temporary staff, and student employees associated with 4-H Youth Development programming.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completed bachelor’s degree. Conferred degree may be in Extension education, youth development, agricultural sciences, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related field relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
• Coursework and/or professional experience that demonstrates a broad understanding of positive youth development principles.
• Three or more years of professional experience relevant to youth development, Extension programming, volunteer management, agriculture, or related educational programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree in Extension education, youth development, agricultural sciences, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with and creating awareness of 4-H Youth Development programming, volunteers, and community-based educational initiatives.
• Knowledge and experience related to livestock, horse, STEM, shooting sports, agriculture, natural resources, or related youth project areas.
• Experience with budgetary accountability and securing external funding through grants, sponsorships, contracts, or fee-based programming.
• Evidence of ability to develop relationships with colleagues, volunteers, community members, partners, and agencies to assess conditions, define needs, and deliver strategies to achieve goals and measure desired outcomes.

Application Instructions

For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 12:00 AM Mountain Time on Sunday, July 27, 2026. Please submit the following to apply:

• CV (not a resume) - Creating a Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Career Center
• Cover Letter
• Special Required Documentation – Statement (no more than 5 pages) of how you meet all applicable “Required” and “Preferred” Job Qualifications. Please respond to each bullet point separately.

Salary Range

$56,000-$90,000

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Special Required Documentation

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.
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Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.