4-H Youth Program Advisor (Custer County)

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of South Dakota youth? At South Dakota State University (SDSU) our mission in South Dakota 4-H is to engage all youth in positive development with a vision of preparing youth to lead lives of possibility amidst the grand challenges of our time through experiential learning and mentoring relationships. We are looking to hire a people-centered, strong collaborator who is creative, innovative, interested in non-formal education, and committed to helping others grow and develop. This is a hands-on lead teaching position for education and youth development professionals. The selected individual will develop and teach educational programs both in school and out-of-school settings, manage volunteers, work with local stakeholders, and more. This position is located in Custer, South Dakota and is a 12-month, 47% time, and leave eligible position.

South Dakota 4‑H is a community that provides experiences for young people to learn by doing. Youth complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, arts, citizenship, and others, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Young people experience 4‑H through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and state 4-H opportunities. We recognize that the youth of today are our future leaders and what they learn and experience in 4-H will help them develop into contributing citizens who will give back to their communities in the future.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Custer County, providing 4-H program and policy supervision as well as direct education in support of outreach goals;
• Manage local 4-H operational elements identified as priorities in accordance with all policies and procedures administered by the SDSU Extension and South Dakota 4-H;
• Develop and deliver educational programs in the programming priority areas of leadership skills, life skills, social skills, and workforce development;
• Periodically conduct needs assessments and/or research to identify community needs and then develop programs to address identified needs;
• Establish working relationships and coalitions with other youth-serving groups to ensure maximum opportunities for youth;
• Conduct in-school enrichment programs with local schools in the county;
• Provide leadership for volunteer management, including identification, orientation, training, recognition, and evaluation of both youth and adult volunteers;
• Maintain an effective and efficient communication network with County Commissioners, other County officials, 4-H Youth Program Advisors, Extension Field Specialists, the public, and other stakeholders;
• Support the mission, vision, and philosophy of South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension, and South Dakota 4-H while adhering to all policies and procedures;
• Provide educational and curricular support to statewide 4-H programs as assigned;
• Position does require some evening and weekend work and travel. Occasional overnight stays for events and training are required;
• All other duties as assigned.

SALARY RANGE:

The starting wage for this position is $22.00.

BENEFITS:

This position offers pro-rated vacation and sick leave based on percent time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child, Youth, or Human Development, Education, or other related fields with relevant youth development experience and course work completed by first day of employment;
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent verbal communication skills;
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to work as a contributing member of a team;
• Demonstrated experience in planning, teaching, and evaluating educational programs for a variety of youth audiences;
• Demonstrated use of technology in managing and/or delivering educational programs;
• Must be able to use a computer for basic word processing, electronic communications, and reporting; and
• Valid driver’s license and automobile, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire, and willingness to travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous 4-H or similar youth development experience;
• Demonstrated ability to manage local 4-H operational elements including event management, budget, volunteer and support staff supervision, and committee coordination;
• Demonstrated ability to lead volunteer groups and committees and to work with other youth-serving groups/coalitions to maximize opportunities for youth;
• Demonstrated collaboration in developing funding proposals or grants to support new and/or enhanced programming;
• Experience in publishing materials and/or curricula.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Custer County is a growing county located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. The county has about 8,300 permanent residents. The County is home to the City of Custer (County Seat) and the Towns of Buffalo Gap, Fairburn, Hermosa and Pringle. The county's major industry is tourism and is also supplemented by agriculture. Custer County is home to the world-famous Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, two of the three largest cave systems in the United States (Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument), Crazy Horse Memorial, and part of the Black Hills National Forest. As such, Custer County has limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure enthusiast. Shopping opportunities are limited to one grocery store in Custer and a multitude of local shops and convenience stores though some of these may only be open seasonally. Dinning opportunities are numerous in the City of Custer, at park facilities, and in other communities though many of these may only be open seasonally. The County has two school districts. The Custer School District has two schools in the City of Custer and one school in the Town of Hermosa. The Oglala Lakota County School District also has one school in the town of Hermosa. The county has a hospital in the City of Custer. The next two closest hospitals are located north in Rapid City or south in Hot Springs. The closest cities to the City of Custer are Rapid City, SD (~40 miles Northeast) and Cheyenne, WY (~250 miles Southwest).

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by March 6, 2024.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact search committee chair, Oakley G. Perry at oakley.perry@sdstate.edu or call 605-688-4167.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Custer, SD: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person