Position Summary

This AmeriCorps Member will be based in Salida, Colorado at the Chaffee County Extension Office and will play a vital role in supporting 4-H positive youth development programs and fostering hands-on learning opportunities for local youth. The Member will assist with various 4-H programs, including County Fair livestock shows, project judging, Meat Quality Assurance training, animal knowledge testing, horse levels testing, and other educational activities.

We are seeking applicants who are enthusiastic, creative, and passionate about positive youth development and community engagement. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated, organized, and skilled at collaborating with diverse groups of people. Applicants who demonstrate strong communication, program development, and evaluation skills, as well as a commitment to youth empowerment, are highly encouraged to apply.

Term of Service / Time Commitment

This is a quarter-time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 450 hours during the term (approximately 20 hours/week). The position begins April 2026 and ends August 2026. The Chaffee County Extension office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30pm but this position will require work during hours in the afternoon/early evening or on occasional Saturdays to support youth education outside of schedule school hours or to allow for adult programming outside of normal working hours to best meet community needs.

Location and Service Conditions

The position is based in Salida, Colorado and will involve frequent days of computer/office work at the County Office with time spent engaging with community members at events. Duties will revolve around community engagement, data collection, and data analysis.AmeriCorps members are required to wear AmeriCorps identity items such as name tag, T-shirts, and lapel pins during all AmeriCorps service. The member serving in this role must have a willingness to work long hours with occasional evening and weekend duties (work based on a 40-hour work week).

Training and Support Provided

• Members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more.

• Up to 20% (or 90 hours) of total hours served may be spent in applicable approved trainings.

• Members will be supervised and supported by Rebecca Sheriff Chrestensen, Chaffee/Lake County 4-H Specialist, as well as by Melinda Macpherson, RamCorps Program Manager, melinda.macpherson@colostate.edu. The cohort of members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.

• Members should participate in on-going trainings and events as required and requested by AmeriCorps, CSU Extension, and/or partner organizations.

• Additional training opportunities may be provided by the Chaffee County Extension Staff for members to gain skills necessary to complete service responsibilities.

Program Benefits

• A living allowance of approximately $556.36 for quarter-time members per pay period on a bi-weekly cycle for an approximate total of $6,120 for the term of service. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member.

• An education award of $1,956.35 earned upon successful completion of term of service.

• It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member.

• Possible mileage reimbursement for travel to required trainings and days of service.

• Access to ongoing professional development trainings and resources through the university.

• Experience working with professionals in the field with on the ground training.

• Non-tangible benefits including making a difference in a community, valuable networking opportunities, and serving the local community in an identified area of need.

• Alumni benefits include priority hiring with organizations that are part of Employers of National Service and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to eliminate educational debt.

• Other certifications, experience, etc.

Full Consideration Date

3/27/2026

Description of Work Unit

The Office of Engagement and Extension (OEE) was organized in 2006 to advance CSU’s engagement and outreach missions. OEE includes CSU Extension, Learning Innovation (including CSU Online), the Colorado Water Center, and a variety of vibrant programs that engage the teaching, research, extension, and service missions of Colorado State University. The Vice President for Engagement and Extension (VPEE) is the principal administrative, academic, and fiscal officer for the division, reports to the CSU President, and works closely with the Provost/Executive Vice President. OEE works collaboratively across all Colleges and offices on campus and has strong engagement programs throughout Colorado, the Western US, and globally. At any given time, OEE includes over 400 employees. The total budget is approximately $95 million. OEE is one of the most institutionally comprehensive commitments to engagement and outreach among all land-grant and other universities. Propelled by OEE’s leadership, nationally CSU is a Carnegie Engaged University (2008, 2014), is a member of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium, is an APLU Innovation and Economic Prosperity University (2016, 2024) and is highly ranked for its online degree programs. Annually, Learning Innovation garners enrollments of over 15,000 learners and CSU Extension delivers approximately 500,000 educational contacts.

To learn more, visit our website at https://learn.colostate.edu/.

Essential Duties

• Assist with 4-H positive youth development educational programs such as County Fair livestock shows, project judging, Meat Quality Assurance training, animal knowledge testing, horse levels testing, and other programs.

• Design and host Cloverbud activity sessions focused on natural resources, gardening, or similar topics, for children aged 5-7.

• Collaborate with community partners such as the Boys & Girls Club in Salida/Buena Vista to offer programming, activities, and hands-on learning opportunities for youth,

• Coordinate with Extension staff to more deeply understand program impact and reach through data collection, monitoring, reporting, surveying, and other evaluation methods.

• Work with the 4-H Specialist to design & execute a mini day camp for 4-H'ers aged 8-10, featuring local outdoor activities such as: fishing, nature walks, field trips to partner locations (fish hatcheries, farms, etc.) as well as picnic snacks, take-home family activities, and other engaging pieces.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be at least 18 years old at start of service.

• Must have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license by the employment start date.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; OEE will not sponsor a visa for this position.

• Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident of the United States

• Able to pass a National Service Criminal History Check (state, FBI, and National Sex Offender Public Website checks) per 45 CFR 2540.202.

Supervision

This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Required Job Qualifications

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

• Experience with office management tools such as Microsoft Office suite of products, Google suite of products, and others.

• Excellent attention to detail, self-motivated, and eager to work with youth and families of all ages & backgrounds.