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Extension Agent

Position Description • Education • Skills and Abilities • Examples

Position Description

An Extension agent works with community partners to promote the well being of children, youth, families, and communities. The Extension agent conducts need-based educational programs. Depending upon community needs, programs focus on combinations of the following areas: nutrition, health, and physical fitness; leadership and volunteer development; career development; time, money, and stress management; parenting, child care, violence prevention, agricultural and livestock management, and farm operations.

Education

Depending upon the area of work, a degree in family and consumer sciences or an agricultural related would be desired. A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree is preferred.

Skills and Abilities

Skills and abilities that an Extension agent needs include:

• developing educational programs
• collaborating and team building
• writing grant proposals
• managing volunteers
• using a variety of teaching methods and educational resources
• preparing materials for print and media
• organizing
• managing time
• using computer applications
• communicating
• being creative
• having an enthusiastic attitude

Examples of How Extension Agents Have Made a Difference

Arkansas Extension Agents have:

• helped build collaborations in their communities to solve community problems.
• obtained funds to get successful after-school programs started.
• organized violence prevention education programs in schools.
• conducted-need based parenting programs.
• helped youth and families to better manage their time and money.
• promoted good health through nutrition education programs and food safety programs.
• helped protect the natural environment through forestry and waste management programs.
• helped increase agricultural production.
• increased livestock production.
• promoted entrepreneurship.

For more information, schedule a visit with your local county Extension Agent. You will learn that the life of an Extension Agent can be busy, but rewarding.

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