Assistant Extension Agent (#0082313, CTAHR/4-H Youth Program/Hilo)

Title: Assistant Extension Agent (4-H Youth Development)

Position Number: 0082313

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Program Office

Location: Hilo, Hawaii (Hawaii County)

Date Posted: January 14, 2026

Closing Date: Continuous until position filled; review of applications to begin on March 30, 2026 

Minimum Monthly Salary:  salary schedules and placement information

Full Time/Part Time: Full-time

Month: 11-month

Temporary/Permanent: Permanent

Other Conditions: Position Workload: 80% Extension and 20% Service; subject to adjustment based on operational needs.  This position may be based at any Extension office on Hawai’i Island, negotiable at the time of hire.  First review to begin March 30, 2026 or soon thereafter. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by March 30, 2026. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide leadership and overall coordination for youth development programs in all delivery modes (web-based, distance education, face-to-face, etc.) in Hawaii County (Hawaii Island) in collaboration with a team of Extension professionals and community volunteers statewide.
2. Conduct and/or coordinate county-based extension, education, and applied research programs to build the capacity of youth and adults that are consistent with all national 4-H mission mandates.
3. Responsibilities include program planning, development, implementation and evaluation; volunteer development, interagency collaboration, professional development, and resource development.
4. Serve as the Covered Program Administrator for the Hawaii County 4-H program related to the University of Hawaii protection of minors policy and procedures.
5. Outreach and work with various target audience of this program including, but is not limited to, youth audiences, including the 4-H community (youth, families, club leaders); extension staff members working with youth audiences, youth agency personnel, and volunteers who work with youth in other community settings and programs that have a youth component (e.g., nutrition, community horticulture, intergenerational programs).
6. Serve as a liaison to other CTAHR faculty for youth related programs and activities.
7. Obtain grants and pursue other funding opportunities to provide program sustainability.
8. Contribute to scholarly activities in regards to positive youth development and related fields on the county, state, and national levels.
9. Participate in Department, College and University service/governance.
10. Work with stakeholders and participate in meetings that may occur after normal working hours and/or weekends at off-site locations.
11. Must be willing to travel by air to other islands within the state and travel within Hawaii County and statewide as needed for program coordination and professional development.

* Responsibilities of this position will be comprised of the following types of work as determined in coordination of the County Administrator, Department Chair, and Associate Dean and Director for Cooperative Extension, and the Dean of CTAHR.

Extension (80%)

Instruction

Through nonformal education processes, Extension instruction is a sequence of progressive steps of program development, and direct client services that lead to behavior change and learning opportunities for clientele.

Program Management

Extension program management is the work directly related to the management of the educational activities of Extension programs, and the development and use of volunteers.

Program Evaluation and Impact Reporting

Conduct rigorous program evaluation efforts to inform evidence of program effectiveness.

Extension Scholarship and Applied Research

Generate, synthesize, interpret and communicate new knowledge, methods, understandings, technologies, materials, uses, insights, and beauty in support of community members greatest and highest needs in support of the Extension education program.

Service (20%)

Demonstrate leadership in departmental, college, university, professional and community service activities. Particularly demonstrate service in the community that contributes to Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change.

Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Extension Agent 

1. Master's degree from a college or university of recognized standing in youth development, family development, Extension education, general education, science, agriculture, agriculture education, communications or related areas.
2. At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative extension work or equivalent closely related fields.
3. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to assume responsibility for developing an Extension program.
4. Demonstrated experience and ability in youth program development and implementation. 
5. Demonstrated understanding and ability in working collegially with community leaders and groups, government agencies, academic colleagues, and clientele. 
6. Ability to work harmoniously with other agents in an integrated Extension system, and with related agencies.
7. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. 
8. Proficiency in computer and electronic communication to disseminate and communicate information with various stakeholders.
9. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations promptly. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawai'i Driver's License (class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation that meets position needs.
10. Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others

Desirable Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in youth development, family development or related field. 
2. Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
3. Completed coursework or demonstrated experience in volunteer development and management.
4. Demonstrated ability to use distance education and social media for program marketing and delivery to established 4-H youth and underserved youth audiences.
5. Demonstrated experience in developing delivery of innovative science, health and/or technology educational programs to enhance positive youth development with families and communities.
6. Professional and colloquial language skills in Olelo Hawaiian, or any language spoken in Hawaii or U.S. Affiliated Pacific Insular areas.
7. Experience in community and family nutrition, food systems, or other aspects of agriculture.
8. Experience working with military youth and military families.

TO APPLY: Click in the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
2. Curriculum vitae (CV);
3. Statement of extension teaching;
4. Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
5. Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts will be required upon hire).  Diplomas will not be accepted.

Note:  Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.

Inquiries:  Dr. Jeff Goodwin, jeffg3@hawaii.edu