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 KState Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive 4H 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 :

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 4H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4H at kansas4h.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.

Licenses and certifications :

Additional expectations :

Sponsorship eligibility :

Preferred Qualifications :

Education and experience :

Skills and attributes :

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents :

and a copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received.

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