About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Educator II, 4-H School and Community Educator is responsible for engaging and collaborating with diverse groups and organizations (schools, libraries, community/health centers, social service agencies) to design and deliver 4-H resources, programs and curricula. This position will work with 4-H program staff to develop and maintain relationships and connections within the broader Massachusetts 4-H community. This position will primarily serve the Fall River, New Bedford, and Wareham communities. The position will be based out of the Plymouth County Extension Office in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This is a 2-year position with potential for renewal.

Essential Functions

• Deliver 4-H curriculum in a variety of fields including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Agriculture, Animal Science, Environmental Science, Food Science and Consumer Sciences, onsite in schools, libraries, and community centers.
• Participate in needs assessments, curriculum and program design, and evaluation and measurement initiatives.
• Conduct reviews of program effectiveness and goals. Prepare and submit reports as necessary.
• Work with 4-H specialists to adapt and design curriculum, evaluate programs, and develop workshops and trainings for 4-H Program collaborators.
• Assist 4-H Educator IIIs with delivery of regional and statewide 4-H programs.
• Participate in 4-H Team meetings, work effectively and collaboratively with 4-H and Extension staff.
• Participate in professional development opportunities as required.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the 4-H, UMass Extension and College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree (preferably in Education, Psychology, STEM, Agri-Science, or related field).
• Desire to work with youth ages 5-18 in community programs, camps, or a formal classroom setting.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work both independently and for collective action, creatively and decisively.
• Ability to set priorities, deadlines, and manage multiple projects within a complex and fast- paced environment.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals. Ability to formulate plans and objectives, collaborate, gain continuous feedback, identify, and implement process and program improvements.
• Ability to maintain high standards of efficiency, accuracy and quality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Teams, and other computer based programs.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Experience working with youth in formal schools setting or out of school time settings.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds.
• Must be able to maintain program of activities requiring frequent travel around region and state.

Additional Details

• This is a 2-year position with potential for renewal.
• The position will be located at the UMass Extension office in Auburn, the 4-H office at the UMass Mount Ida campus, and the Plymouth County Extension office.

Work Schedule

• Flexible work schedule based on Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm. 
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

At UMass Amherst and in CNS, we strive to be a community where every individual feels a sense of belonging, where every individual is included, and where every individual is valued. You can find these values and goals here: https://www.umass.edu/strategicplan/strategic-plan.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.