Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is committed to carrying out the mission of Iowa State University by providing research-based educational opportunities to all Iowans.

The Summer Educators will work in collaboration with ISU Extension and Outreach Youth Development staff members in Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, O’Brien, Cherokee and Plymouth counties to deliver research-based youth programs as educational in-person day camps.

Four educators will be hired with two educators focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), one educator focusing on Cooking and the Arts, and one educator focusing on Career Exploration.

• Travel throughout a six-county area in Northwest Iowa to lead educational youth programs utilizing provided research-based curriculum.
• Teach youth in an engaging way that leads to greater knowledge and positive development.
• Provide a safe, educational, and enjoyable youth learning experience during three- and six-hour camps.
• Work independently and with local staff and other summer educators to secure and manage necessary resources (volunteers, materials, new ideas, etc.)
• Maintain a close working relationship with the 4-H Youth Program Specialist, and local youth staff in each county.
• Collaborate with staff to communicate program impacts, primarily through social media, photos, and videos.
• Demonstrate professionalism as an ISU Extension and Outreach professional through image, public relations, and networking.
• Provide mid-summer and end-of-summer progress reports to staff and extension council members.
• Work on additional programming needs as directed by the 4-H Youth Program Specialist.

• An undergraduate sophomore, junior or senior level college student OR an education professional. Preferred course of study in Education of some sort, but other majors will be considered. (Examples of Non-Education Majors Hired in the Past: Ag Communications, Ag Leadership, Family and Consumer Sciences, Horticulture, Food Science)
• Ability to serve the duration of the 11-week position.
• Excellent performance working with and teaching youth in a group setting.
• Strong organizational, communication and customer relation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet, social media, and email applications.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass background screening to meet the Child Protection and Safety Policy.

• Coursework in education with experience in formal and/or informal teaching preferred, but not required.
• Experience as a user of Extension programs, such as 4-H, preferred but not required.

Work Schedule & Details

Four educators will be hired with two educators focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), one educator focusing on Cooking and the Arts, and one educator focusing on Career Exploration.

Each Summer Educator will work 40 hours per week starting May 20, 2024, through August 2, 2024, with a per hour pay rate of $14/hour. Work-related mileage and expenses will be reimbursed.

This position is funded by the local extension councils in Lyon, Osceola, Sioux, O’Brien, Cherokee, and Plymouth counties and may be contracted with other counties for services as available.

Applicant Instructions

Interested applicants must submit the following documents electronically by December 20 to Beth Bunkers, 4-H Youth Program Specialist, at bbunkers@iastate.edu:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact Information for Three Professional References

Applicants should include in their cover letter which area they would prefer to lead programs related to - either STEM, Cooking and the Arts or Career Exploration.  

Questions can be directed to Beth via phone at 712-737-4230 or via email at bbunkers@iastate.edu.

Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/diversity/ext.