Maryland 4-H Mission

The Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program provides a supportive and inclusive setting for all youth to reach their fullest potential in a diverse society. Youth learn beneficial and cognitive life skills through community-focused, research-based experiential education programs.

Our Vision

Maryland 4-H aspires to be a recognized leading youth development program that inspires youth and adults to learn, grow and work together as catalysts for positive change.

Opportunities for all

We build our work teams with the same mission and vision. We wish to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. 

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs, and activities, and admissions.

Career Opportunities

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    Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H engineering and technology programs, processes, and curricular systems

    Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development, 4-H engineering and technology programs, processes, and curricular systems

    Job Description Summary

    UME is seeking an Extension Specialist responsible for organizing, developing, implementing, and evaluating statewide educational programs for youth, families and communities. This rank is parallel to the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. The Educator would work with Extension educators, volunteers and youth development agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities for youth, leading to the development of life skills. As a tenure-track faculty member, the Educator will be responsible for providing leadership to develop focused youth development programs in cooperation with colleagues across the state. If coming in at Agent rank, the faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with University policy and UME tenure guidelines within a time frame defined.   

    This position reports directly to the Maryland 4-H Program Leader.

    Some responsibliities:

    • Support the Extension network by coordination of 4-H engineering and technology programs, processes, and curricular systems. 
    • Coordinate statewide engineering and technology program support including incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) as well as academic pathways and career readiness particularly aligned with contemporary needs of agriculture and food systems. 
    • Facilitate research-based methods to increase knowledge, leadership, and life skills in alignment with the UME Strategic Plan and 4-H Program Priorities. 
    • Lead experiential learning programs in concert with County Educators and volunteers in the area of engineering and technology in areas aligning with the 4-H national priorities around science, health and civic engagement. 
    • Conduct needs assessments, outreach and marketing to reach broad audiences with broad and varying audiences to support UME’s land-grant mission. 
    • Secure grants and extramural funding to develop and conduct creative, intellectual activities that are validated by peers and communicated with colleagues.  Serve on state, regional and national committees, serve on department, college and university committees.
    • Develop collaborations with other campus colleges and Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) departments. 
    • Provide leadership for committees, professional organizations and special assignments on the state and national level. 

    To find out more, click on this page to apply. 

     Best Consideration Date: 4/27/2026