Youth Development Coordinator (Part Time)

This position works with the 4-H Adventure Camp and the Outdoor Skills & Food Systems, and is responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating high-quality outdoor education experiences for youth. This position provides leadership for 4-H Adventure Camp, trains and mentors teen camp counselors, oversees a youth blacksmithing program, develops camp-friendly outdoor food programs, and leads food waste education and reduction initiatives within camp and club settings. All programs must align with 4-H positive youth development principles, safety standards, and experiential learning practices.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Adventure Camp Leadership & Facilitation:

• Plan, organize, and facilitate 4-H Adventure Camp sessions, including lodging, activities, logistics, and safety procedures according to established processes.
• Under supervision deliver outdoor education programming such as hiking, team-building, nature skills, and adventure challenges following the set curriculum.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment that supports 4-H youth development outcomes.
• Assist with recruiting, training, and mentoring teen camp counselors and adult volunteers.
• Assist with providing training in leadership, youth development, communication, group management, and emergency response following the set curriculum.
• Monitor performance and provide coaching throughout camp sessions.
• Ensure adherence to 4-H policies, safety guidelines, and youth-adult partnership best practices.

Blacksmithing Program Management:

• Under supervision oversee the 4-H blacksmithing program by developing curriculum, ensuring safety, maintaining equipment, and scheduling activities.
• Teach or coordinate instruction in foundational and advanced blacksmithing skills appropriate for youth.
• Maintain tools, forge equipment, and workshop safety standard.

Outdoor Food & Camp Meal Program Development:

• Develop and test camp-friendly meal kits, outdoor cooking curricula, and backpacking-style food activities according to established processes.
• Teach youth outdoor cooking skills, nutrition, food safety, and efficient meal planning.
• Coordinate procurement of ingredients and equipment while following food safety guidelines.
• Integrate hands-on cooking and food-skills lessons into camp and club activities.

Food Waste Education & Reduction:

• Create and implement educational programs that teach youth about food waste, conservation, and sustainable food systems.
• Develop strategies to reduce food waste at camp, including portion planning, composting, smart storage, and leftovers management.
• Coordinate youth-led food waste audits and sustainability initiatives.
• Partner with camp kitchen staff, volunteers, and clubs to implement waste-reduction practices and model sustainable behaviors.
• Incorporate food waste awareness into outdoor cooking, nutrition lessons, and broader 4-H environmental stewardship programs.

Administration & Program Support:

• Manage budgets, inventories, purchasing, and scheduling for camp, blacksmithing, food, and food waste programs.
• Maintain accurate records, training logs, enrollment, safety documentation, and evaluation data. Communicate effectively with families, volunteers, Extension staff, and community partners.
• Support marketing, outreach, fundraising, and reporting efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Understanding of principles and practices that promote positive youth development, including developmental stages, resilience-building strategies, and community engagement.
• Comprehensive knowledge of outdoor leadership principles and risk management strategies to ensure participant safety and positive experiences.
• Skill and commitment to environmental stewardship, including practices that promote conservation and responsible interaction with natural ecosystems.
• Knowledge of sustainability and food systems, with the ability to integrate sustainable practices into program planning and operations.
• Ability to work with experiential learning methodologies, fostering hands-on, immersive experiences that enhance personal growth and team development.
• Strong creativity and advanced problem-solving skills, enabling innovative solutions in dynamic and challenging environments.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
  

• Wilderness First Responder or Higher (can be obtained after hire).
• CPR and First Aid certified (can be obtained after hire).
• Experience with curriculum development.
• Prior work experience with volunteer development and mentoring.