Extension Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation in the College of Natural Resources and Environment is seeking a calendar-year, restricted, Administrative and Professional (AP) faculty member to serve as Natural Resources Youth Education Extension Specialist. This is a highly active, statewide leadership role for an energetic, organized, and results-driven professional who enjoys a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys building programs from vision to measurable impact.
The successful candidate will develop, coordinate, and deliver high-impact youth education programming focused on Virginia's forests, wildlife, water resources, and the sustainable use and management of these natural resources. Programming will be delivered across rural, suburban, and urban communities and will intentionally address the diversity of audiences, ecosystems, and natural resource challenges found throughout the Commonwealth.
This position requires a strong ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, balance strategic planning with exciting program delivery, and build momentum through partnerships. The specialist will work closely with Extension faculty and staff at Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) district and local offices. The position main location will be in Mount Crawford, VA (where main office for the NW District is located)

 
A core expectation of this role is the ability to actively steward partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry, and government agencies to expand capacity for youth natural resources education across Virginia. These partnerships will support program growth, resource development, and long-term sustainability of Extension and 4-H youth programming.
Examples of potential programming opportunities included development of a Youth Master Nationalist Program, expansion of 4-H natural resources programming opportunities in clubs and schools, and support for youth natural resource competitions and experiential learning opportunities. The successful candidate will be expected to pursue and secure extramural funding and to document and communicate program outcomes and impacts to Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and foundation stakeholders. The position reports to FREC Department Leadership and works closely with the CNRE Associate Dean for Extension, Outreach, and Engagement, CNRE faculty, and State 4-H Leader and State 4-H faculty. The position is ideally located in a VCE Extension office within the Northwest District, though location flexibility may be considered based on programmatic needs and the successful candidate's profile.
Required Duties
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Lead, coordinate, organize, implement, manage, market, and evaluate youth natural resources education programming at the state and regional levels
Collaborate across CNRE, VCE, and State 4-H systems to deliver engaging, high-quality youth learning experiences, youth natural resource events, competitions, and experiential learning programs
Actively develop and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, industry partners, and government agencies to build statewide capacity for youth Extension programming
Develop and deliver educational curricula, publications, and materials using web-based, in-person, and virtual platforms
Secure extramural funding through grants, contracts, and philanthropic partnerships to support Extension programming efforts
Track, document, and report program outcomes and impacts in alignment with VCE and CNRE expectations
Participate fully in the policies, programs, and initiatives of Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
Operate effectively in a high-energy, multi-tasking environment with multiple concurrent priorities
Provide strong leadership within interdisciplinary Extension and youth development initiatives
Support and mentor Extension personnel, volunteers, and partners engaged in youth natural resources programming
Represent VCE and CNRE in nonprofit, foundation, professional, and agency networks related to youth education and natural resources
Contribute to statewide and regional strategic initiatives that advance youth workforce development and environmental literacy

Required Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent in natural resources, environmental education, or a closely related discipline
Demonstrated experience in youth-focused natural resources education, outreach, or Extension programming
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Experience developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programming for youth

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate or graduate coursework in Extension leadership, youth development, or education
Experience in natural resource outreach or Extension programming with a youth emphasis
Demonstrated success in acquiring external funding
Experience in curriculum development and educational assessment
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships with nonprofit organizations, foundations, and agencies

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

60K - 70K max budget

Hours per week

40

Review Date

March 31, 2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.