Connect with a strong network of youth development and environmental professionals and fellow educators. To be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted ...
Connect with a strong network of youth development and environmental professionals and fellow educators. To be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume. Application must be submitted ...
Youth Development Professional information
See Ruston, LA salary details
$7.37 - $9
3% of jobs
$9 - $10.62
16% of jobs
$10.88 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$10.62 - $12.24
40% of jobs
$12.24 - $13.87
10% of jobs
$14.61 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$13.87 - $15.49
14% of jobs
$15.49 - $17.11
10% of jobs
$17.11 - $18.73
3% of jobs
$18.73 - $20.36
1% of jobs
$20.36 - $21.98
1% of jobs
$21.98 - $23.60
1% of jobs
$23.60 - $25.23
1% of jobs
$7
$13
$25
How much do youth development professional jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development professional in Ruston, LA is $13.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.06 and $14.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges youth development professionals face when working with diverse youth populations?
Youth Development Professionals often encounter challenges such as building trust with youth from varied backgrounds, addressing unique emotional and behavioral needs, and navigating cultural or language barriers. Successfully supporting diverse youth requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and ongoing cultural competency training. Many organizations provide resources, mentorship, and team collaboration to help professionals effectively meet the needs of all participants while fostering an inclusive, safe environment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development professional?
To thrive as a Youth Development Professional, you need a solid background in child or adolescent development, program planning, and often a degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with youth engagement software, behavior management systems, and certifications like CPR/First Aid are typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills help foster trust and positive relationships with youth. These abilities are crucial for creating supportive environments that promote healthy growth and positive outcomes for young people.
What is a youth development professional?
Youth Development Professionals are individuals who work with young people to support their personal, social, and educational growth. They create safe, supportive environments and design programs that help youth develop valuable life skills, build confidence, and achieve their goals. These professionals often work in after-school programs, community centers, schools, or non-profit organizations, serving as mentors, facilitators, and advocates for youth. Their primary aim is to empower young people to reach their full potential and become active, engaged members of their communities.
What career paths are in youth development professional?
A youth development professional can pursue career paths such as program coordinator, youth counselor, community outreach specialist, or program director. These roles often require skills in leadership, communication, and program management, and may involve working in schools, community centers, or non-profit organizations.
What cities near Ruston, LA are hiring for Youth Development Professional jobs? Cities near Ruston, LA with the most Youth Development Professional job openings:
Part-Time UF/IFAS 4-H Camp Timpoochee Environmental Education Educator
Okaloosa, LA
$16.50/hr
Full-time, Part-time
Posted 21 days ago
University Of Florida rating
7.2
Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
383rd of 618 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Part-Time UF/IFAS 4-H Camp Timpoochee Environmental Education Educator
Apply now Job no: 540680
Work type: Temp Part-Time
Location: Okaloosa
Categories: Recreation/Event Services, Agricultural Sciences, Early childhood education/Childcare
Department:60330100 - AG-CAMP TIMPOOCHEE
Classification Title:
OPS Time-Limited Non-Clerical
Classification Minimum Requirements:High School diploma or its equivalent is minimum requirements
Job Description:Essential Tasks
Florida 4-H environmental educators play a key role in creating engaging and hands-on environmental education experiences. Your responsibilities will include:
- Teach, organize, and evaluate educational programs, focused on Florida's marine natural resources, to students in grades K-12 through day residential, and outreach programs
- Provide programmatic support to maintain and increase marine and environmental education classes, activities, and materials.
- Assist with animal care for education animals
- Help maintain clean facilities utilized for educational programs on-site
- May assist with dining hall duties as needed, for on-site educational programs
Help with other programmatic responsibilities as needed
Expected Salary:$16.50 per hour
Required Qualifications:High School diploma or its equivalent is minimum requirements
Preferred:Preferred qualification is a Bachelors Degree, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, in sciences, education, natural resources, youth development, recreational leadership or other related fields is required. Must pass a Background Screening prior to hire. Valid driver's license preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Teach pre-designed environmental education curricula to a variety of ages and abilities
- Effective oral communication with both large and small groups
- Effective written communication
- Customer service
- Experience working with youth
- Knowledge, experience and/or interest in teaching marine and environmental education
This position is an OPS seasonal position, with two seasons available for employment:
- Fall Term: 9/15/26 - 11/25/26
- Winter/Spring Term: 1/15/27-4/30/27
Weekly schedules vary, depending upon programming but would typically be M-F, between 8AM-5PM. Some night and weekend work. Average of 30 hours/week.
Benefits of Accepting this Position
Tangible:
- Hourly wage of $16.50/hour, with average work week of 30 hours/week
- Housing may be available on-site at no additional cost
- American Red Cross certifications provided, including: First Aid, CPR, AED, and waterfront lifeguarding
- Explore additional benets for University of Florida OPS positions at: Temporary Staff (OPS) | Current Employees
Intangible:
Be part of the world's largest positive youth development program (4-H) and connected to a top 5 University (University of Florida). Make a difference in the future of Florida's environment by educating our youth. Connect with a strong network of youth development and environmental professionals and fellow educators.
To be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required: NoAdvertised: 21 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 18 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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What University Of Florida employees say
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About University of Florida
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
The University of Florida is one of the top ranked public universities in the United States (ranked top 5 amongst public universities in 2023 US news and world report). It is one of only a few comprehensive universities, having medical, veterinary, dental, nursing, public health, and engineering disciplines all co-localized on the same, contiguous campus to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration. Gainesville is located in the northern region of Florida, within 1-1.5 hours of each coast, and just 1.5-2 hours to Orlando and Tampa. It is a small to medium-sized city with a low cost of living, excellent public and private schools, and southern hospitality. While Gainesville is widely recognized as the home of the Gators, it is quickly becoming known as a center for innovation and a place with a lifestyle that's comfortable for families, yet attractive for young professionals.
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Gainesville, FL, US
Year founded
1853