Extension Worker Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Extension Office Administrative Technician is responsible for the day-to-day operation support of the Wadena County Extension Office. This is a part-time, 20 hours a week position. A Monday – Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule is suggested; however, there is flexibility to adjust these hours to accommodate the successful candidate’s specific work availability.

Office Administrative Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides exemplary customer services in person, by phone, email, through the mail and on social media by providing information, referring to appropriate person or agency, and taking messages.
• Provides general administrative and clerical support for Extension Office programs and educators.
• Provides weekly office coverage at the Extension Office, coordinates and communicates weekly office business hours based on when the Extension Office Administrative Technician and 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator will be working at the office.
• Processes office mail.
• Assists with maintaining schedule for office meeting rooms.
• Provides information and resource referrals for county residents on university research and educational information relating to topics such as home economics, 4-H youth development, agriculture, horticulture, including insect and weed identification and control. Serves as a connector to university resources and educators for county residents.
• Works closely with colleagues in the Extension office such as the 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator, and interacts regularly with volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, 4-H volunteers, and County Extension Committee.
• Operates and maintains proficiency with numerous computer programs utilized by the department including Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Outlook, Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.), 4-H databases including 4-HOnline and Fair Entry.
• Maintains the University of Minnesota Wadena County webpage.
• Performs administrative finance-related duties; prepares and codes invoices, assists in preparing and maintaining the annual office budget, tracks budget status and reviews budget monthly for accuracy, provides monthly budget reports for Extension Regional Director, orders office supplies, coordinates the maintenance of all office equipment, and related duties.
• Supports Extension programs and educators. Assists 4-H families with annual youth/volunteer enrollments; is a point of contact for 4-H volunteers, families and perspective members; provides program communication to 4-H leaders and members; distributes researched educational information; and assists with preparation and implementation of 4-H activities, workshops and events.
• Assists with County Fair preparation and implementation. Develops, types and distributes 4-H premium booklet; coordinates fair registrations; assists with procuring judges; prints forms, develops and prints livestock programs, keeps records, issues premium checks, reviews exhibiter forms and related duties. Works at the county fair and interacts with 4-H families, 4-H volunteers, and the general public. Additional work hours during county fair week may be required.  
• Assists with preparing for 4-H at the Minnesota State Fair including registrations, fund collections, entering registrations into Fair Entry program, and preparing mailings.
• Designs and produces brochures, letters and newsletters to inform the general public of Extension sponsored services and events.
• Maintains the University of Minnesota Wadena County webpage.
• Assists with arranging and organizing meetings and events.
• Attends trainings to stay current with Extension policies and processes.
• Helps to ensure Extension is adhering to applicable county and University policies.

Additional/Ancillary Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends training/educational sessions, meetings and seminars occasionally.
• Maintains knowledge of policies, rules and regulations regarding duties.

While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the County.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of business English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Knowledge of general office practices and equipment.
• Knowledge of record keeping systems in order to maintain administrative and fiscal data and to prepare reports.
• Ability to operate a variety of office machines.
• Ability to organize and prioritize one's own work.
• Ability to use human relations skills to positively interact with and to work constructively with the public and other employees.
• Ability to understand and carry out detailed written and oral instructions.
• Ability to perform detailed work with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to use various computer and software programs.
• Ability to handle routine assignments and problems under close supervision.
• Ability to apply a variety of procedures, policies and/or precedents using basic analytical ability.
• Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships on specialized matters to relay information and facts.

Education and Experience

• Requires High School diploma or equivalent; and
• Three to five years relevant experience.

Equipment and Tools

• Office equipment and technology

Physical and Mental Requirements

This job typically requires sitting, standing, walking, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, hearing, typing, and seeing. There is prolonged exposure to computer keyboards and video screens. This position is generally light-duty and may require the exertion up to 20 pounds of force.

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office or other in-door environment. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies Common to All County Positions

• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and applicable County policies and procedures.
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all staff.
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as possible.
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities.
• Represent Wadena County in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and constituencies.

Wadena County is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer.