Extension Educator, Associate - Extension Volunteer Specialist

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Thank you for your interest in joining the University of Wyoming. Our community thrives on the contributions of talented and driven individuals who share in our mission, vision, and values. If your expertise and experience align with the goals of our institution, we would be thrilled to hear from you. We encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our vibrant campus community today! 

Why Choose Us? 

At the University of Wyoming, we value our employees and invest in their success.  Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.  Benefits include: 

• Generous Retirement Contributions: The State contributes over 15% of your gross salary.  With your mandatory employee contribution, the total contribution toward your retirement plan exceeds 19%.


• Exceptional Health & Prescription Coverage: Enjoy access to medical, dental, and vision insurance with competitive employer contributions, that include 4 deductible options to suit your needs. 


• Paid Time Off: Benefit from ample vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and paid winter closure. 


• Tuition Waiver: Employees and eligible dependents can take advantage of tuition waivers, supporting continuous education and professional growth. 


• Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs: Stay healthy with wellness initiatives, counseling services, and mental health resources. 

At the University of Wyoming, we are committed to creating a supportive and enriching workplace. To learn more about what we offer, please refer to UW’s Benefits Summary. 

JOB TITLE:  

Associate University Extension Educator, Extension Volunteer Development Specialist

JOB PURPOSE:   

The individual in this position will provide leadership, guidance, organization, management, and educational opportunities to support volunteer development as part of the UW Extension 4-H Youth Development team. This position will also be called upon to consult with, or provide volunteer training for, other Extension programs, such as Master Gardeners, as appropriate. This individual needs expertise in principles of volunteer program management, positive youth development, conflict management, background screening, training development, and overall risk management with application to participant safety.

The individual in this position works under the guidance and supervision of the UW Extension, 4-H Program Leader with input from the UW Extension Director/Associate Dean for the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources (CALSNR) and the UW Extension Associate Director supervising the 4-H program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop volunteer leadership best practices, curricula, training opportunities, and professional development for UW Extension. 


• Lead the development of, and provide updates to, a volunteer management monitoring system to streamline required documentation and coordinate risk management efforts, including background checks for volunteers. 


• Work cohesively with state level program area specialists to implement a statewide volunteer committee, conference, and other efforts as needed.


• Regularly review and revise volunteer policies and procedures for 4-H and other extension programs.


• Provide statewide leadership for volunteer education and recognition as well as the support of county extension professionals in the recruitment of engaged volunteers.


• Develop and implement training for support staff with volunteer management responsibilities.


• Lead professional development and enrichment experiences for volunteers.


• Evaluate and communicate the impacts of the UW Extension volunteer program at local, regional, state, and federal levels.


• Provide feedback and coaching to volunteers and UW Extension educators in order to ensure volunteer code of conduct and policies are followed. This includes overseeing any volunteer corrective actions, in coordination with UW Extension educators and the Wyoming State 4-H Program Leader.


• Engage with other offices at the University of Wyoming, as needed and including but not limited to, Human Resources, General Counsel, Risk, Internal Audit, Equal Employment Opportunity, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Completed master’s degree. Conferred degree must be in volunteer development, youth development, agriculture education, extension education, K-12 education, or a closely related field. 


• 5+ years professional experience relevant to the Essential Job Duties (below) of this position.


• Coursework and/or professional experience must provide a broad and significant understanding of volunteer development, youth development, educational leadership, extension education, risk management, human resources, and/or community vitality, along with a high degree of subject matter competence in these areas.


• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) compliant with the Driving for University Business SAP. 

  DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:   

• A Ph.D. in volunteer development, youth development, agriculture education, extension education, K-12 education, or a closely related field.


• Knowledge of and/or experience in Positive Youth Development and adult learning theory.


• Experience or course work in audience-needs identification, program development, experiential learning, and program evaluation.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS: 

• Completed online UW application. 


• A detailed letter of intent that specifically addresses your qualifications relative to the minimum and desired qualifications for this position 


• Current resume or curriculum vitae


• Copies of all college transcripts; official transcripts required at time of hiring


• Contact information for four (4) professional references who can address your professional qualifications. 

WORK LOCATION: The office location for this position has flexibility to be in several UW Extension offices with a preference for being in the state office located on campus at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. An individual in this position is expected to maintain a presence in the state office to effectively balance the duties of the position. The work schedule will vary, and occasional nights and weekend work and travel will be necessary. Remote work is not offered for this position. 

 WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the United States; sponsorship for work authorization or work visas are not available for this position.

HIRING STATEMENT/EEO:   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please contact us at 307-766-2377 or email [email protected].  

ABOUT LARAMIE: 

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a charming town of 30,000 residents nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its only 4-year university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research, and outreach with state-of-the-art facilities and strong community ties. We invite you to learn  more about Laramie by visiting the About Laramie website. 

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range and the metropolitan Denver area. Laramie’s beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/