JOB SUMMARY

UConn Extension, a part of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, at the University of Connecticut, seeks applicants for a full-time Educational Program Assistant 1 to work at the Department of Extension – Hartford County Extension Center in Farmington, CT.  The program assistant will support Extension programing in Hartford County (75%) and will provide translation support (primarily Spanish) for the Department of Extension statewide (25%).

The successful candidate will dedicate 75% of their time to assisting in the implementation of high-quality, comprehensive Extension programming focused on Hartford-based assignments. The remaining 25% of their time will be spent providing translation services, written, verbal and non-verbal, primarily from English to Spanish, for the Department of Extension's state office and other counties as needed. The Educational Program Assistant 1 will report to the Center Coordinator of the Hartford County Extension office who will assist in prioritizing work assignments among the programs carried out in that office and will primarily be located at the Hartford County Extension Office in Farmington, CT. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Department of Extension, Hartford County Support (75%) are:

• Assists and provides support to Extension Educators working with programs which may include but not be limited to Agriculture, Urban Forestry and Green Space, EFNEP, Master Gardener, 4-H and other programs as needed. 
• Assists in developing educational programs, recruiting, explaining and providing program information and processes to Extension volunteers and participants.
• Works with and helps develop and refine program data bases using programs such as Excel and Access, to extrapolate relevant data sets, maintain program enrollments, membership and volunteer records and provide program reports to the Extension educators as required.
• Maintains accurate records on each program and assembles databases and prepares statistical and/or historical reports for Extension Educators/Program Coordinators based on program outcomes.
• Performs office support functions in support of educational programs; processes paperwork, records and files which may be computerized.
• May support Extension Educators/Program Coordinators in implementing and providing off-site educational activities in the community to improve practical understanding and accomplish program goals as time allows.
• May help in assembling, arranging, organizing and dismantling program event and activity set-ups and arrangements at various locations and venues, i.e. classrooms, fairgrounds, community centers, etc. as time allows.
• Supports media relations activities for various programs; assists others to write and edit program and promotional materials for hard and soft copy publications and social media platforms.
• Assists Extension Educators/Program Coordinators in assessing clients’ capacity to participate in programs and helping to incorporate related knowledge into program activities for greatest learning opportunities. 
• Assists Extension Educators/Program Coordinators in developing and implementing programs to enhance learning and provide appropriate content-based experiences to accomplish program goals. 
• Under supervision, provides educational training and conducts related support services on an on-going basis, and assists in resolving problems in assigned area of responsibility. 
• Assists with increasing community collaborations with partner groups. 
• Assists Extension Educators/Program Coordinators on digital communications including website content updates, social media post creation and scheduling, and review communications analytics to ensure compliance with university branding standards.

Statewide Department of Extension, Spanish Transition Support (25%):

• Provides well-spoken and accurate translations of information from English to Spanish that is understood by cross-cultural Spanish speakers.
• Adopts translations that are universally understood by diverse groups across the state/region.
• Provides precise verbal and non-verbal interpretations of material between English speakers and service users.
• Provides other related services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in the following related fields and up to one year of related experience or an Associate’s degree and two to three years of related experience; or four to five years of profession-based experience in Agriculture, Urban Forestry and Green Space, EFNEP, Master Gardener or 4-H Youth Development.
2. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively with communication technologies and the media.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and other database activities. 
4. Demonstrated sensitivity towards diverse youth, families and volunteer clientele to be served.
5. Demonstrated experience providing organizational support in a team environment.
6. Knowledge and familiarity with the Cooperative Extension System. 
7. Bilingual with strong proficiency in written, verbal and non-verbal Spanish language skills.
8. Must be able to regularly lift, carry, load, unload and transport equipment, supplies, and/or program materials for educational events and workshops such as laptops, projectors, tables, chairs, displays, paper media, etc.
9. Must be willing and able to work flexible and irregular hours, including occasional nights and weekends to help conduct programs at off-site locations. 
10. Must have reliable transportation to meet in-state travel requirements (mileage allowance provided).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working with large databases and generating reports including 4-H online registration.
2. Experience participating in collaborative community partnerships.   
3. Experience working with UConn administrative processes.
4. Experience with STEM (Science, Technology. Engineering and Mathematics) technology.
5. Demonstrated success in public relations utilizing electronic, social and print media and platforms.
6. Certified Spanish translator.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position. The primary work location is at the Department of Extension – Hartford County Extension Center in Farmington, CT. This position will require you to travel in-state and may work irregular hours on occasion to support educational programming and outreach.

The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498610 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on December 6, 2024. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.