Extension Educator Jobs
Extension Educator jobs are open across cooperative extension services, universities, government agencies, and nonprofits, from entry-level to senior program roles, with specializations in agricultural outreach, community health education, and youth development. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 30+ Extension Educator jobs
Required Qualifications
- Required to complete the job screening questionnaire to be considered for any roles: https://z.umn.edu/4HExtEducatorQuestionnaire.
- Bachelor's degree at time of hire in fields related to but not limited to education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, psychology, and agriculture. Degree must be completed by the start date.
- Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, and/or managing programs for youth, grades K-12.
- Experience in recruiting, guiding, or managing volunteers or staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, stakeholders, volunteers, participants and others, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds, in order to achieve and follow Extension goals, objectives and expectations.
- Demonstrated ability to document, track and follow financial policies, processes and procedures (including University, Extension, Department, County and related).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, priorities and schedules while maintaining high quality of work and working with minimal supervision.
- Evidenced ability to effectively communicate in English using oral and written communication methods (e.g., business correspondence, publications, presentations, web, and social media).
Additional Requirements
- It is an essential function of the job to work in the assigned office location almost exclusively when not conducting work in the community. Work in the community will include various educational settings, including outdoors (e.g., camps, fairs); limited hybrid or remote work options may be possible.
- Will work evenings, overnights, and weekends for events, camps, fairs, programming to meet responsibilities of the position.
- Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance in order to transport materials; and rarely other people. Mileage reimbursement provided.
- This position often works in the community. Must be able to travel within the county several times per week and regionally/statewide multiple times per year. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
- When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
- Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
- Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
- This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two (2) or more years of post-bachelor’s degree experience relevant to youth development, program development, and/or volunteer systems development.
- Evidenced knowledge of youth development theory and practice (e.g., college coursework, volunteer training)
- Experience designing, developing, delivering, and/or evaluating high-quality, culturally relevant, educational programs.
- Experience managing a volunteer system, including recruiting, placing, training, coaching, and evaluating volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts.
- Proficient use of technology for communicating, locating information, and monitoring trends to design, deliver, evaluate, and report programs.
- Evidenced ability to work cooperatively with community partners or local governments to address educational needs.
- Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a non-formal setting.
- Experience organizing and managing events and activities.
- Experience planning and applying relevant organizational policies, procedures, and regulations (e.g., creating safe environments, financial practices).
About the Job
The Washington County 4-H Extension Educator position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in the county. As a Washington County 4-H Extension educator, you will work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: 1) Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest; 2) Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents. 4-H Extension educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
Location and Work Environment
Work Schedule
Primary Responsibilities
Job Duties include, but are not limited to and change as determined by the supervisor:
Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement – 40%
- Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan that reflects the demographics of the county/tribal community, addresses local needs and opportunities, aligns with the strategic direction of the MN 4-H Youth Development program and leads to program growth and sustainability.
- Design, develop, deliver, and implement high quality, culturally-relevant, impactful programs that support youth in learning and leading.
- Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach/facilitate youth and adult learning using relevant content and instructional best practices (pedagogy/andragogy).
- Plan and manage the delivery of 4-H clubs, camps, after school programs, showcase and fair opportunities, and other events and activities.
- Identify and implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of youth, volunteers, and staff with varying backgrounds and experience.
- Successfully collaborate, partner with and build strong working relationships with supervisor and Program Leaders, other Extension educators, peers, department team members, county partners and stakeholders; mainly in person but at times virtually.
- Develop and support community partnerships that extend program reach and expand program impact.
- Establish and maintain an effective staffing plan including partners, volunteers, interns, and short-term employees.
- Use established evaluation tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness, demonstrate value, and market the program.
- Other related duties as assigned
Volunteer Systems – 35%
- Establish and support a volunteer development system that builds the capacity and long-term sustainability of the 4-H program.
- Meet and collaborate with volunteers, volunteer leaders and others to enrich and grow relationships and volunteer roles in 4-H.
- Identify needs and opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
- Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
- Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and followed at all times; alert or report any concerns or variances from processes.
- Acknowledge and address problems that arise with volunteers and volunteer roles.
Program Operations – 15%
- Manage and monitor compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including youth safety, risk management, and financial management.
- Manage, oversee and document the budget related to the County 4-H program. This includes expenses, deposits, cash and check handling, asset inventory, accurate record keeping, and financial reports. Follow strict University, Extension, 4-H and other financial policies, processes and procedures in all aspects of program and county work.
- Ensure that self and partners, participants and volunteers follow all financial procedures related to county and related work; prepare and communicate when issues or questions arise; including meeting budget and other financial deadlines.
- Manage established processes for youth enrollment, volunteer enrollment, event participation and reporting, club chartering, program agreements, and related.
- Recruit, orient, supervise, and support interns and short-term employees.
Communication and Reporting – 10%
- Develop/adapt and implement an ongoing year-round communication plan that attracts youth, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and leads to enrollment and retention.
- Collect data and prepare and deliver reports and presentations to share the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of 4-H Youth Development with local stakeholders; including department, unit and regional teams and groups.
- Communicate with peers, teams, county partners and others regarding 4-H Youth Development and Extension programs’ value and mission.
- Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and the Department of Youth Development in all work interactions, events, conferences and related in a positive and collaborative way.
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.
(Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.)
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following required attachments with your online application:
- Cover letter
- Resume – include all relevant experience (paid or volunteer) to the job responsibilities
- Complete job screening questionnaire to determine location, position, and availability requirements (https://z.umn.edu/4HExtEducatorQuestionnaire). Failure to complete this survey at application will result in the applicant being removed from consideration for these positions.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
Required Qualifications
- Required to complete the job screening questionnaire to be considered for any roles: https://z.umn.edu/4HExtEducatorQuestionnaire.
- Bachelor's degree at time of hire in fields related to but not limited to education, social sciences, family and consumer sciences, sociology, psychology, and agriculture. Degree must be completed by the start date.
- Experience (paid or unpaid) leading, teaching, and/or managing programs for youth, grades K-12.
- Experience in recruiting, guiding, or managing volunteers or staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively and cohesively with peers, leaders and leadership, stakeholders, volunteers, participants and others, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, and backgrounds, in order to achieve and follow Extension goals, objectives and expectations.
- Demonstrated ability to document, track and follow financial policies, processes and procedures (including University, Extension, Department, County and related).
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, timelines, priorities and schedules while maintaining high quality of work and working with minimal supervision.
- Evidenced ability to effectively communicate in English using oral and written communication methods (e.g., business correspondence, publications, presentations, web, and social media).
Additional Requirements
- It is an essential function of the job to work in the assigned office location almost exclusively when not conducting work in the community. Work in the community will include various educational settings, including outdoors (e.g., camps, fairs); limited hybrid or remote work options may be possible.
- Will work evenings, overnights, and weekends for events, camps, fairs, programming to meet responsibilities of the position.
- Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance in order to transport materials; and rarely other people. Mileage reimbursement provided.
- This position often works in the community. Must be able to travel within the county several times per week and regionally/statewide multiple times per year. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
- When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
- Ability to bend, reach, twist, and lift or carry 10 pounds frequently and 30 pounds occasionally.
- Must be able to stand for 90 minutes at a time and sit for 90 minutes at a time. Some days will require hours of standing or sitting.
- This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Preferred Qualifications
- Two (2) or more years of post-bachelor’s degree experience relevant to youth development, program development, and/or volunteer systems development.
- Evidenced knowledge of youth development theory and practice (e.g., college coursework, volunteer training)
- Experience designing, developing, delivering, and/or evaluating high-quality, culturally relevant, educational programs.
- Experience managing a volunteer system, including recruiting, placing, training, coaching, and evaluating volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts.
- Proficient use of technology for communicating, locating information, and monitoring trends to design, deliver, evaluate, and report programs.
- Evidenced ability to work cooperatively with community partners or local governments to address educational needs.
- Experience teaching youth and/or adults in a non-formal setting.
- Experience organizing and managing events and activities.
- Experience planning and applying relevant organizational policies, procedures, and regulations (e.g., creating safe environments, financial practices).
About the Job
The Washington County 4-H Extension Educator position will primarily work with adults to lead, manage and steward the full range of 4-H Youth Development programming in the county. As a Washington County 4-H Extension educator, you will work collaboratively with youth, families, volunteers, community partners, and University faculty/staff to reach two overarching program goals: 1) Youth will learn by developing a passion in their areas of interest; 2) Youth will lead by being innovators and social change agents. 4-H Extension educators lead quality programs that result in growth, retention, and impact while ensuring potential and current participants have full access to programs, services, and facilities.
Location and Work Environment
Work Schedule
Primary Responsibilities
Job Duties include, but are not limited to and change as determined by the supervisor:
Program Development, Delivery, and Engagement – 40%
- Engage youth, volunteers, and partners to create a program plan that reflects the demographics of the county/tribal community, addresses local needs and opportunities, aligns with the strategic direction of the MN 4-H Youth Development program and leads to program growth and sustainability.
- Design, develop, deliver, and implement high quality, culturally-relevant, impactful programs that support youth in learning and leading.
- Develop/adapt lesson plans and teach/facilitate youth and adult learning using relevant content and instructional best practices (pedagogy/andragogy).
- Plan and manage the delivery of 4-H clubs, camps, after school programs, showcase and fair opportunities, and other events and activities.
- Identify and implement strategies to diversify program participation, ensuring programs and processes are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive of youth, volunteers, and staff with varying backgrounds and experience.
- Successfully collaborate, partner with and build strong working relationships with supervisor and Program Leaders, other Extension educators, peers, department team members, county partners and stakeholders; mainly in person but at times virtually.
- Develop and support community partnerships that extend program reach and expand program impact.
- Establish and maintain an effective staffing plan including partners, volunteers, interns, and short-term employees.
- Use established evaluation tools and processes to inform future program design, improve effectiveness, demonstrate value, and market the program.
- Other related duties as assigned
Volunteer Systems – 35%
- Establish and support a volunteer development system that builds the capacity and long-term sustainability of the 4-H program.
- Meet and collaborate with volunteers, volunteer leaders and others to enrich and grow relationships and volunteer roles in 4-H.
- Identify needs and opportunities for volunteers to serve in management and delivery roles, and recruit and place individuals in these roles.
- Cultivate relationships with and build capacity of volunteers through a support system consisting of effective orientation, training, utilization, recognition, and evaluation.
- Ensure the volunteer screening process is implemented and followed at all times; alert or report any concerns or variances from processes.
- Acknowledge and address problems that arise with volunteers and volunteer roles.
Program Operations – 15%
- Manage and monitor compliance with organizational policies and procedures, including youth safety, risk management, and financial management.
- Manage, oversee and document the budget related to the County 4-H program. This includes expenses, deposits, cash and check handling, asset inventory, accurate record keeping, and financial reports. Follow strict University, Extension, 4-H and other financial policies, processes and procedures in all aspects of program and county work.
- Ensure that self and partners, participants and volunteers follow all financial procedures related to county and related work; prepare and communicate when issues or questions arise; including meeting budget and other financial deadlines.
- Manage established processes for youth enrollment, volunteer enrollment, event participation and reporting, club chartering, program agreements, and related.
- Recruit, orient, supervise, and support interns and short-term employees.
Communication and Reporting – 10%
- Develop/adapt and implement an ongoing year-round communication plan that attracts youth, families, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds and leads to enrollment and retention.
- Collect data and prepare and deliver reports and presentations to share the public value, impacts, and accomplishments of 4-H Youth Development with local stakeholders; including department, unit and regional teams and groups.
- Communicate with peers, teams, county partners and others regarding 4-H Youth Development and Extension programs’ value and mission.
- Represent the University of Minnesota, Extension, and the Department of Youth Development in all work interactions, events, conferences and related in a positive and collaborative way.
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees. Find further information on the Extension website.
(Please note: this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.)
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following required attachments with your online application:
- Cover letter
- Resume – include all relevant experience (paid or volunteer) to the job responsibilities
- Complete job screening questionnaire to determine location, position, and availability requirements (https://z.umn.edu/4HExtEducatorQuestionnaire). Failure to complete this survey at application will result in the applicant being removed from consideration for these positions.
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
See All 30 Extension Educator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Extension Educator JobsExtension Educator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in extension educator jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in agriculture, public health, family and consumer sciences, education, or a closely related field
- Experience designing and delivering educational programs for adult or youth community audiences
- Strong public speaking and group facilitation skills for workshops, field days, or classroom settings
- Ability to develop evidence-based educational materials, fact sheets, and lesson plans
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel regularly within an assigned county or region
- Proficiency with digital tools for program management, participant tracking, and virtual instruction delivery
Tips for Your Extension Educator Job Search
Tailor your resume to extension programs
Highlight program delivery, curriculum development, and community outreach experience using language pulled directly from each job posting. Extension employers look for demonstrated impact on target populations, so quantify participation numbers and program outcomes wherever your records allow.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists extension educator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Show your subject matter credential upfront
Many extension educator postings require a degree in a specific field like agriculture, nutrition, family and consumer sciences, or public health. Lead with your relevant degree and any certifications, such as a certified health education specialist credential, before listing general skills.
Target land-grant universities in your specialty area
Land-grant universities house the majority of cooperative extension systems and post openings by program area. Search by program focus, like 4-H youth development or farm financial management, rather than just the job title to surface openings that match your background precisely.
Prepare a teaching demonstration for interviews
Many extension educator interviews include a short educational presentation to a mock audience. Practice delivering a five to ten minute lesson on a topic in your subject area, emphasizing plain language, audience engagement, and practical takeaways for adult or youth learners.
Negotiate for professional development funding
Extension positions often carry fixed salary bands, but professional development budgets for conferences, certifications, and continuing education are frequently negotiable. Ask about these funds during the offer stage rather than after you accept, when flexibility is highest.
Extension Educator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most extension educators?
The most active employers for extension educators right now are University of Nebraska, Penn State University, and University of Minnesota, and the most openings are in Nebraska, Louisiana, and Minnesota, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Land-grant universities and county-level cooperative extension offices consistently account for the largest share of postings.
How many extension educator jobs are remote?
About 89% of extension educator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the field's reliance on in-person community engagement. Sub-specialties like curriculum development, online program delivery, and state-level program coordination tend to offer the most remote or hybrid flexibility compared to county-based educator roles.
How do you become an extension educator?
Start by earning a bachelor's degree in a subject area aligned with extension programming, such as agriculture, nutrition, public health, or youth development. Gain field experience through internships, AmeriCorps service, or volunteer teaching roles with community organizations. Apply to entry-level extension educator or program assistant positions at land-grant universities or county extension offices, and pursue relevant certifications in your specialty area as your career advances.
How do you get hired as an extension educator with little or no experience?
Focus on roles posted as program assistant, extension associate, or 4-H program coordinator, which are designed for candidates earlier in their careers. Emphasize any community outreach, tutoring, coaching, or volunteer teaching you have done, and demonstrate familiarity with the land-grant extension mission. A strong cover letter that connects your academic background to the county or program area's specific needs can set you apart from candidates with broader but less targeted experience.
What does the extension educator interview process look like?
Most extension educator interviews include a phone or video screening followed by an in-person or virtual panel interview with program staff, county administrators, and sometimes community advisory members. Candidates are frequently asked to deliver a short educational presentation on a relevant topic. Expect questions about your approach to reaching underserved audiences, managing program budgets, and collaborating with local stakeholders and partner agencies.
Where can I find and apply to extension educator jobs?
You can find and apply to extension educator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your subject matter expertise and geographic preference, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background and experience.
See All 30 Extension Educator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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