Cooperative Extension Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Outdoor Education serving Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties (AP 25-13)

Company: University of California Agriculture and Natural R
Location: Susanville
Posted on: December 1, 2025

Job Description:

Cooperative Extension Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Outdoor Education serving Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties (AP 25-13) University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Application Window Open date: October 31, 2025 Next review date: Friday, Jan 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee. Final date: Monday, Mar 2, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled. Position description Position Overview The University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) invites applications for a UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Outdoor Education at the Assistant rank. The Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor is responsible for the development of the UCCE 4-H Youth Development extension and research programs in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties. The Advisor will develop and deliver a program that will provide all youth meaningful personal development opportunities. The Advisor is expected to develop an extension and applied research program framed in positive youth development, emphasizing outdoor education programs and curricula to promote program growth and expanded opportunities for youth participation. UCCE Advisors are responsible for applied research and extension of knowledge. Research activities are applied, needs-based, mission-oriented, and focused on addressing our communities' challenges. Extension activities are the educational practices Advisors use to share research results directly with clientele and communities. Increased knowledge and understanding of science-based research helps to support and promote the adoption of practices and technologies that solve problems. Extension methods may include individual consultations, presentations, organization of educational workshops and short courses, field demonstrations, and farm and site visits. The Advisor is expected to collaborate with other 4-H personnel in implementation of all delivery models, including in-school, after school, community club and other out of school time programs and projects. Information may also be disseminated via radio outreach, webinars, fact sheets, policy briefs, news blogs, and social media. Publications are expected in various formats, such as newsletters, articles for the popular press, curriculums, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed publications. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge or understanding and adoption of new skills, practices, changed attitudes, policies, and improved environmental, health, agricultural, economic, and/or social conditions. UCCE Advisors are evaluated through an academic advancement system based on four criteria: extending knowledge, applied research and creative activity, professional competence and activity, and University and public service. Location Headquarters: This position will be headquartered in the UCCE office in Lassen County, 707 Nevada St., Susanville, CA 96130. Position Details The Advisor will develop and extend innovative 4-H Youth Development (YD) programs across the four-county area. The Advisor will cultivate both a strong community network and an academic network that supports an effective flow of information and creative work promoting positive youth development within the four-county area. The advisor will provide academic oversight of the 4-H community club program and educational leadership to county based 4-H staff, educators, volunteers, and community members. The Advisor will provide 15% FTE to strengthen the statewide 4-H network of outdoor education programming. Specific within the four-county area, there are program development opportunities to enhance and build upon a strong traditional 4-H program. Excellent youth development opportunities exist in areas of youth-to-youth (e.g. teen-to-primary) learning models, youth-led community and volunteer training events, youth development collaborations with local agencies and organizations, regional camping experiences and outdoor events to better integrate area youth with their peers. The new advisor will have numerous community service organizations, agricultural producers, natural resources professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts with whom to build lasting networks supporting youth across the region. These wide-ranging professional networks will leverage current community interest into more active participation in the 4-H YD program. The advisor will also promote growth of the 4-H program by providing guidance and leadership through the 4-H Volunteer Management Organization (VMO) structure across the four-county area. Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties have millions of acres of public land with countless recreation facilities, trails, and outdoor education opportunities. The four-county area also enjoys strong collaborative relationships between UCCE advisors and staff across the different county offices and existing agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition programs providing many potential research and extension partnerships. The Advisor will develop applied research projects across the four-county area as well as with statewide and multi-state collaborators. The research will guide and provide the basis for the improvement and growth of 4-H YD programs throughout the four-county area. General areas of potential research activity include comparison of school curriculums and experiential learning opportunities in developing leadership skills in youth; understanding youth motivation to participate in leadership activities and/or participate outdoor activities; and understanding long term outcomes/benefits of youth development and learning. Additionally, the Advisor will conduct creative projects that develop and/or adapt experiential learning and curricula that support outdoor education opportunities relevant to area youth. Research results will be published in such outlets as the Journal of Extension, Journal of Youth Development, and California Agriculture and shared with the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals and the American Educational Research Association. Counties of Responsibility: This position will be headquartered in Lassen County, and will serve Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties. Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the administrative supervision of the (UCCE) County Director for Lassen County, with input from the County Directors for Modoc and Plumas/Sierra County UCCE, and programmatic supervision of the 4-H Statewide Director. This is not a remote position; the candidate must be available to work onsite at the headquarters location and travel to and be present in other counties with programmatic responsibilities. Specific expectations for maintaining office hours and fieldwork in the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined upon hire by the respective directors and supervisors. Qualifications and Skills Required Required Qualifications Education: A minimum of a master's degree is required in youth/child development, human development, education, or a related field at the time of appointment. Key Qualifications - Experience in conducting applied research, program evaluation, and education programs with youth is required. - Strong leadership skills and experience in program and personnel management are required. - Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed; proof of liability, and property damage insurance on the vehicle used is required. Must possess or obtain a valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University Vehicle. - Ability to drive on remote highways including evenings and weekends, and at times in inclement weather conditions. - A background investigation will be required for the successful candidate, including fingerprinting and a criminal history clearance by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This position is subject to the requirements and compliance of the California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgement to comply with California law. - We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. at the time of hire. - This is not a remote position. Additional Skills Required - Applicants need to meet appointment criteria for the respective University of California academic title series and evidence for success in meeting required academic advancement criteria as per UC Academic Personnel Manuals. Applications need to document relevant research, extension, and teaching experience, and appropriate scholarly achievements. - Interest in and a desire to pursue a career in UC Cooperative Extension - Technical Competence and Impact: The candidate should understand key concepts to optimize engagement and development and be able to design and implement a program that leads to positive changes and impact within the community and beyond. - Substantial experience and sensitivity to cultural differences relative to working with youth and adults. - The ability to work with clientele across a wide range of socio-economic classes and ethnicities is essential. - Communication: Demonstrated excellence in written, oral, interpersonal and information technology communication skills. - Collaboration . click apply for full job details

Keywords: University of California Agriculture and Natural R, Reno , Cooperative Extension Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor for Outdoor Education serving Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties (AP 25-13), Education / Teaching , Susanville, Nevada