What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Agent, FCHS (Willcox, AZ) position at University of Arizona and Careers?
Posting Number
req25229
Department
Cochise County Office
Department Website Link
https://extension.arizona.edu/local-offices/cochise-county
Location
County Extensions and Farms
Address
450 S Haskell Ave, Suite A, Willcox, AZ 85643 USA
Position Highlights
This continuing-eligible Assistant/Associate Extension Agent in Family, Consumer, and Health Sciences (FCHS) will serve as a key member of the Cochise County Cooperative Extension team, developing and delivering community-based education programs that improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The position focuses on topics such as nutrition, health, food safety, financial literacy, and family wellness. The Agent will assess local needs, design and implement programs, evaluate outcomes, and collaborate with Extension faculty, community partners, and stakeholders to create positive, research-based impacts throughout Cochise County. Given Cochise County’s proximity to the U.S.–Mexico border and its significant Spanish-speaking population, bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills are preferred to ensure inclusive and effective outreach across communities.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
Duties & Responsibilities
Program Development
- Conducts a thorough analysis of national, state, and local data, along with historical information and community resources, to identify community assets, program needs, and opportunities.
- Participates in statewide working groups to create innovative and effective programs.
- Collaborates with Extension and university faculty and staff, experts, and community members to develop interdisciplinary programs, applied research projects, and scholarly works.
- Identifies and secures resources, such as grants, contracts, and in-kind contributions, to support and enhance programs.
- Works with community groups, local leaders, Extension advisory groups, and other Extension professionals to develop and implement an annual Plan of Work that addresses county and state needs.
Program Implementation
- Implements innovative programs to address the health and well-being needs of target audiences.
- Creates educational materials, evaluation tools, teaching resources, and promotional content to support state, county, and community initiatives.
- Serves as a resource and advocate for family, consumer, and health sciences, collaborating with other agencies and organizations.
- Encourages and facilitates interaction and cooperation among various community groups and coalitions.
- Distributes educational materials through county-wide and multi-county events, workshops, websites, newsletters, mass media, and volunteers.
- Leads community outreach efforts for recruiting, training, and recognizing volunteers, and assists them in conducting educational programs as appropriate.
- Promotes effective communication and teamwork with county and state Extension staff, other faculty, and youth professionals.
Administration and reporting
- Maintains accurate records of program activities, participant engagement, and outcomes.
- Evaluates and documents the outcomes and impacts of programs.
- Communicates program results to professional peers and clients through reports, scholarly works, and various publications, including bulletins, fact sheets, popular articles, state publications, scientific articles, social media, videos, and digital platforms.
- Supervises and promotes training and professional development of staff and students.
- Consults with the County Extension Director to assess program effectiveness and personal achievements as an Extension faculty member.
Professionalism
- Continuously enhances professional competence through ongoing study, participation in professional activities, and application of new knowledge and skills on the job.
- Upholds high ethical and professional standards in all aspects of work.
- Contributes as a cooperative and collegial member of the Arizona Cooperative Extension team.
- Promotes public awareness and support for Cooperative Extension and University programs.
- Participates in and leads committees, task forces, work groups, community organizations, and professional associations at various levels, both within and outside of Extension.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Excellent program planning, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
- Knowledge of FCHS programming areas (nutrition, health, food safety, parenting, etc.).
- Demonstrated ability to secure and manage external funding.
- Knowledge of southern Arizona’s communities, culture, and public health or nutrition issues.
- Familiarity with data-driven decision making and use of program evaluation.
- Ability to communicate effectively with audiences from socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Demonstrated success working with diverse audiences and community partners.
- Competence with technology and distance-learning tools.
- Commitment to the mission and values of Cooperative Extension.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's Degree or higher in Public Health, Nutrition, Education, Family Studies or other related disciplines.
- Minimum of two years of relevant professional experience.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy. Must be able to travel statewide and nationally using all modes of transportation.
- Must maintain a Level One fingerprint clearance card.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with Cooperative Extension, land-grant universities, or other community outreach organizations.
- Experience conducting or supporting applied research and program evaluation in community settings.
- Experience with youth and adult education, including curriculum design and informal learning environments.
- Experience supervising staff or volunteers.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency.
- Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based educational programs.
- Experience with fiscal management and reporting.
Rank
To be Determined
Tenure Information
Continuing-Eligible (CE)
FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.00
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Agriculture and Extension
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$57,000 - $62,000
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Fingerprint criminal background check (security sensitive due to title or department)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
4/13/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Carol Holden,
carolholden@arizona.edu
(520) 766-3601
carolholden@arizona.edu
(520) 766-3601
Open Date
3/3/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume, Cover Letter, and Four Additional Documents
Special Instructions to Applicant
Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and Four Additional Documents. The finalist will be required to provide three written references.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
Salary : $57,000 - $62,000