Public Service Technician (Program Assistant)
UConn Extension- Farmington, CT

The Department of Extension at the University of Connecticut is seeking a temporary program assistant (40 hours a week) to deliver and coordinate 4-H educational programs primarily in Hartford County. This position is funded by the Advancing 4-H Careers in Food and Agriculture via Biotechnology and STEM (FANE) grant program. The program is funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) / United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and provides research based, quality 4-H educational programming to youth in grades 9-12.

The successful candidate will work under the direction of the Project Team and report to the 4-H Extension Educator. Activities will occur at various community sites in the Greater Hartford area and various field trip locations. In addition to planning and delivering instruction in biotechnology topics, the successful applicant will maintain program records, create program promotional documents, engage with community organizations, create educational outreach content, chaperone youth field trips and other program related tasks at the Hartford County Extension Center in Farmington, Connecticut. Instructional hours will occur in the afternoon/evenings with some weekends.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivering educational content on STEM and biotechnology to youth.
• Engage 4-H participants in game development related to STEM and Biotechnology related content.
• Support teen 4-H members in the development of outreach materials that communicate to their peers and adults how biotechnology, agriculture and careers.
• Create agriculture, biotechnology and career educational content.
• Collect data through pre-and post-tests and compile results.
• Organize and maintain supplies and records from 4-H activities.
• Assist with outreach or promotional activities.
• Plan and chaperone 4-H field trips, including driving and transporting 4-H participants in rental vehicles or traveling between sites.
• Independently implement programing.
• Perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Associates degree or equivalent educational experience.
2. Demonstrated experience of one or more years delivering programming to youth in an informal or formal setting.
3. Familiarity with STEM or related concepts.
4. Demonstrated organizational, time management, and communication skills.
5. Previous experience utilizing computer skills, including Microsoft Suite.
6. Demonstrated experience managing groups of youth.
7. Ability to lift program materials and set up meeting spaces for programming.
8. Previous experience working as part of a team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in working with audiences of various backgrounds.
2. Experience using educational technology for instruction.
3. Interest in working with teenage youth.
4. Familiarity with 4-H programming.
5. Experience using social media for professional purposes.
6. Bachelor’s or master’s degree.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

The successful incumbent must possess and retain a valid driver’s license. The anticipated start date of this position is September 2025. The appointment term is six months with the possibility of continuation up to an additional six months dependent upon program needs, funding availability, and performance. Compensation will be $25 per hour, for 40 hours per week. The selected incumbent will be required to maintain the agreed upon work hours/schedule, which may include nights and weekends. The incumbent must have a valid driver’s license and availability to work on nights and weekends.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter, resume and names of three professional references with email and phone numbers to jennifer.cushman@uconn.edu.

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which can be found at h ttp://www.ct.gove/ethics/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University Community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.   

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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