Chester County 4-H Seeks Science Program Assistant

Job Description

Position Title: 4-H Science Program Assistant, Growing 4-H Science Grant

Brief Summary of Position:

This individual will serve as a member of the Berks and Chester County Cooperative Extension teams conducting educational programs and activities for 4-H youth members and adult volunteer leaders in the 4-H Science Program. This position will be focused on establishing new after-school and traditional 4-H science clubs for middle school youth. The goal is to reach 150 youth with 50 or more hours of 4-H science between September 2012 and August 2013. Two individuals will be hired, one each to be based in Berks and Chester Counties.

Time Requirements: Approximately 20 hours/week, fluctuating depending on the time of the year. The individual will need to be available for evening and weekend events in order to fulfill the position responsibilities.

Position Responsibilities:

Traditional 4-H Club Programming
1. Plan and implement 4-H Science “Open Houses” to generate interest and initiate recruitment of volunteers and members for traditional 4-H clubs.
2. Recruit, screen and orient new 4-H adult and teen leaders.
3. Working alongside 4-H club volunteers, facilitate initial club meetings to establish club schedules and membership.
4. Provide support and assistance to 4-H science clubs including obtaining resources, trouble shooting and attending meetings to present workshops.
Afterschool Club Development
1. Seek out and establish relationships with schools/school districts/after-school child care agencies to incorporate 4-H afterschool clubs for middle school youth.
2. Train staff and volunteers to deliver 4-H Science programming.
3. Plan and deliver 4-H science programming to afterschool club audiences.
Day Camp Programming (summer, 2013)
1. Develop and market engaging 2 week day camp program for middle school-aged youth, which meets the standards of high quality positive youth development.
2. Manage teaching staff of adult and teen volunteers.
Additional 4-H Science Program Support
1. Assist in the planning, implementing and evaluating of educational events for youth in 4-H science clubs. This may include Saturday Science Programs developed in collaboration with other science organizations or science institutions.
2. Implement the YEAK Survey evaluation tool as per grant specifications.
3. Develop 4-H Science Ambassadors Corps to promote the 4-H Science Program and assist in 4-H Science Program delivery.
4. Develop collaborations with science museums, colleges and universities, tech schools, corporations, etc. to support programming, volunteer recruitment, and funding.
5. Assist in reaching new audiences in accordance with the Penn State University Affirmative Action Policy.
6. Ensure compliance with the affirmative action plan. Through public notification and “All Reasonable Efforts” make all programs accessible to clientele with regard to age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Professional Development
1. Attend 4-H Science Program curriculum trainings as offered (via live and recorded webinars, on-line interactive modules and face-to-face conferences).
2. Become proficient in delivery of 4-H Science Programs in the biological and physical sciences, in particular the latest 4-H science curriculums in energy, robotics, plant sciences and water science.
3. Create templates for replication of new 4-H science club development and new 4-H afterschool club development and volunteer and staff training in the 4-H Science Program.
4. Share successful, creative 4-H Science Program elements with staff statewide.

Basic Skills Required:

1. Possess an understanding of youth development and be able to effectively interact with middle school-aged youth.
2. Possess knowledge of educational principles and presentation preparation skills.
3. Familiarity with the 4-H Science Program is preferred.
4. Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
5. Science teaching experience is preferred.
6. Possess good communication skills needed for group presentations and individual communication with members, parents, leaders, teachers and agency staff.
7. Possess organizational and record keeping skills.
8. Possess computer skills for creating documents and marketing pieces.
9. Must have valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
10. Successful applicants will not be able to start work until they have received background clearances.

Salary:

1. $15.00 per hour
2. Mileage expenses paid/reimbursed.
3. Position begins August 1 or when suitable candidate is hired.
4. Position is grant funded/fixed term through July 2013

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.