Cooperative Extension Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor Serving Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties (AP #25-13)

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 at the Assistant rank. The Area 4-H Youth Development Advisor is responsible for developing the UCCE 4-H Youth Development extension and research programs in Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties. The advisor will develop and deliver a program providing all young people with meaningful youth development opportunities. They will 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 within their local communities. 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 help 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 implementing 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, popular-press articles, curricula, conference proceedings, and peer-reviewed journals. Successful research and extension programs result in new information that improves knowledge and the adoption of new skills and practices, changes attitudes, informs policies, and improves 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, or the UCCE office in Modoc County, 202 W 4th St, Alturas, CA 96101.

Position Details

The advisor will develop and extend innovative 4-H Youth Development (YD) programs across the three-county area. They will cultivate both a strong community network and an academic network that support an effective flow of information and creative work promoting positive youth development within the three-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. Within the three-county area, there are opportunities to develop programs that build on and enhance a strong traditional 4-H program. Excellent youth development opportunities exist in youth-to-youth learning models (e.g., teenager-to-elementary-aged youth), 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 academic leadership through the 4-H Volunteer Management Organization (VMO) structure across the three-county area.

Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties have millions of acres of public land with countless recreation facilities, trails, and outdoor education opportunities. The three-county area also enjoys strong collaborative relationships between UCCE advisors and staff across county offices, as well as with existing agriculture, natural resources, and nutrition programs, creating many potential research and extension partnerships.

The advisor will develop applied research projects across the three-county area and in collaboration with statewide and multi-state partners. The research will guide and provide the basis for the improvement and growth of 4-H YD programs throughout the three-county area. General areas of potential research activity include comparing school curricula and experiential learning opportunities for developing leadership skills in youth; understanding youth motivation to participate in leadership and/or outdoor activities; and understanding the long-term outcomes/benefits of youth development and learning. Additionally, the advisor will conduct creative projects to develop and/or adapt experiential learning and curricula that support outdoor education opportunities for area youth. Research results will be published in outlets such as the Journal of Extension, the 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 or Modoc County, and will serve Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties.

Reporting Relationship: The advisor serves under the supervision of the (UCCE) County Director for Modoc and Lassen County, with input from the County Director for Siskiyou County UCCE, and the Director of the Statewide 4-H Program. 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 within the geographic area covered by this position will be outlined by the respective directors and supervisors upon hire.

Qualifications and Skills Required

Required Qualifications

Education: A minimum of a master's degree in youth/child development, human development, education, or a related field is required 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.

* 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 of and compliance with California's Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). Employment within UC ANR is contingent upon securing written acknowledgment 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 and must maintain such authorization through the duration of the position. Internal ANR applicants with questions may contact Katie Kilbane at klkilbane@ucanr.edu.

* 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, Teamwork and Flexibility: The candidate should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team member with key external stakeholders and county-based staff, as well as with other colleagues within UC ANR.

* Lifelong Learning: There is an expectation that advisors evolve and grow across their career and respond to changes in the industry, clientele, and organizational change.

* As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Affirmative Action

Desired Experience

* Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds is desired.

* Ability to effectively engage with partner organizations to develop strong community relationships to support 4-H YD programs.

* Ability to communicate well with regional audiences, including local elected officials, K-12 school representatives, agricultural organizations, and natural resources agencies.

* Experience working with adult volunteers involved with youth programs.

* Ability to secure and manage extramural funding.

About UC ANR

UC ANR is a division of the University of California (UC) system that bridges the gap between local issues and UC's expertise by providing research-based information, educational programs, and technical expertise to the public in areas such as agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and youth development. UC ANR is part of a nationwide Cooperative Extension network, which began in the early 20th century to connect research from land-grant universities with the everyday needs of people in communities across the United States. Today, we collaborate with farmers, ranchers, diverse communities, youth and adult educators, and policymakers to address local and statewide issues related to food systems, water, climate change, and sustainable agriculture through a statewide network of campus-based researchers, county-based Advisors, and community educators. Our mission is to cultivate thriving communities, sustainable agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and economic prosperity in California and globally through equitable generation and sharing of collaborative, science-based solutions. Over 180 UCCE Advisors conduct applied research and extension education at county-based UCCE offices across 70+ locations, serving all 58 counties. By working and living among those we serve, UC ANR expands the University of California's reach to engage all people and communities in California, ensuring equal access to the resources UC offers. Our vision is that UC ANR will be valued in every California community for meaningful engagement and making a positive difference in people's lives.

About Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties

Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou Counties are in the far northeastern corner of California and are among the state's most rural and scenic regions. Together, they are home to approximately 90,000 residents, with the largest communities including Susanville in Lassen County, Alturas in Modoc County, and Yreka and Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County. Geographically, the area sits at the intersection of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Cascade Range, the Great Basin, and the Modoc Plateau. The three counties are defined by small agricultural valleys that are flanked by mountains, forests, and rangelands. The counties served by this position are very rural with small, widely dispersed communities supported by agriculture and natural resource-based economies. Tourism is also an important part of the regional economy, drawing visitors seeking outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing, and skiing. Youth development opportunities outside of 4-H are relatively limited, creating an excellent opportunity for significant and lasting impact across the region.

Learn more about

* UC ANR and UC ANR Mission Statement

* UC ANR administers Statewide Programs and Institutes that focus research and extension on solving priority problems that engage ANR academics and UC faculty in integrated teams

* UC ANR Strategic Initiatives help unify, communicate, and advocate for the work we do.

* UC ANR uses seven Public Value Statements to communicate how our work makes a difference to the public.

* UC ANR academics are expected to share and exhibit UC ANR's commitment to UCANR's Civil Rights Compliance Policy.

* UC ANR is committed to supporting inclusive excellence and is guided by UC ANR's Principles of Community. We strive to create an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and respected and have equal opportunities for growth and success.

* Lassen County Chamber of Commerce offers information about the local community.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: The salary range for this Cooperative Extension Advisor position is Assistant Rank, Step I ($85,600) to Step VI ($108,600). Step placement in the advisor series is based on applicable experience and professional qualifications. For information regarding Cooperative Extension Advisor salary scales, please refer to the University of California Salary scale.

If the successful candidate is currently a UCCE Advisor, the candidate will be offered the position without change to the candidate's current rank, step, salary, and/or appointment terms; and if applicable, is eligible to retain indefinite status.

This position is eligible for indefinite status following three successful reviews and subject to terms noted in UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual, Section 315 of the ANR Policy and Procedure Manual

Benefits: The University of California offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, two days per month paid vacation, one day per month paid sick leave, and paid holidays. This position is eligible for sabbatical leave privileges as per the terms of the University policy. For more information, refer to the Benefits.

How to Apply

If interested in this position, please visit UC Recruit and choose "applicants" (refer to position #25-13). An in-person finalist interview may be required as part of the search process.

Closing Date: To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by August 4, 2026 - (Open until filled)

Questions?

Contact Kahla Wallace at kahwallace@ucanr.edu

University of California Cooperative Extension

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) are strictly prohibited.

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The University of California, Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.