Extension Associate

Position Function:

This is a limited-term, full-time youth outreach position based at Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS. The function of the associate is to transform the mindsets and behaviors of Mississippi youth in two ways related to agriculture. First, the associate will increase understanding of and support for soil and water conservation so that the next generation of agricultural industry members and consumers will move Mississippi agriculture toward greater sustainability. Second, the associate will improve awareness and perceptions of agricultural jobs so that more Mississippi youth will pursue suitable agricultural careers and thus strengthen the Mississippi agricultural workforce. A core priority of this position is to connect disadvantaged/underserved youth to existing resources and to design additional resources for them so that all youth can contribute to and benefit from the success of Mississippi agriculture.

Salary Grade:  13

Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges.  For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.

Department Profile:

This position is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.

Area of Specialization:

Youth Outreach

Anticipated Appointment Date:

May 16, 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead interactive lessons in classrooms and out-of-school venues to expose Mississippi youth, teachers, and guidance counselors to sustainable agriculture—its importance, principles, practices, challenges, relevant postsecondary education, and associated careers
• Engage Mississippi youth through digital outreach by generating and circulating age-specific multimedia resources on sustainable agriculture that empower and encourage youth to share and discuss with peers and family members
• Coordinate internships for Mississippi youth to learn about agriculture hands-on
• Organize field trips for Mississippi youth to visit agricultural colleges and employers
• Collect and analyze pre-intervention and post-intervention data for Mississippi youth on their participation rates in outreach programs, on their agricultural literacy, and on their entry to postsecondary agricultural education
• Foster strong relationships with high schools, youth development organizations, funding agencies, and other partnering entities in the Delta and surrounding areas
• Perform various tasks that enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the youth outreach programs above

Minimum Qualifications:

The associate must have earned a bachelor's degree by the appointment date. The associate must possess some background in agriculture/STEM plus some experience with educating high school youth as an employee and/or volunteer in school and/or extracurricular environments. The associate have a valid driver’s license and have ready access to a dependable vehicle with valid insurance.

Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and/or level of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal associate is deeply passionate about investing in and inspiring all Mississippi youth but especially disadvantaged/underserved youth. The ideal associate has proven proficiency in relating to and managing high school youth as well as in preparing new curricula and lesson plans. The ideal associate possesses relevant credentials (e.g., teaching license, master’s degree, professional development certifications) and has/had worked for multiple years as an educator of youth from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings. The ideal associate is eager to keep learning on one’s own and from others to acquire applicable knowledge/skills and to refine the delivery of outreach programs. The ideal associate is ready to thrive in a role that is demanding and multifaceted yet highly flexible and creative.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The associate must be trustworthy, persistent, self-motivated, and capable of excelling with minimal routine supervision. Extensive travel across the Delta is an expected and reimbursable activity for this position, so the associate must mai