Extension Educator, Assistant 4-H Memorial Camp Director

Extension Educator, Assistant 4-H Memorial Camp Director

University of Illinois Extension

WE TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to
improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the
nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate
knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts
and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to
higher levels of understanding and influence.

Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships
that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension
provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer,
and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension
has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of
Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming
around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of
ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign.

The Extension Educator serves as a
regular, full time, 12-month academic professional with primary responsibility
for the development, delivery, and evaluation of educational programs
supporting the mission of the University of Illinois Extension. Serves as an
aid to the 4-H Camp Director in all aspects of the camp program but will be the
primary person in charge of operating leadership programs both on site at 4-H
Memorial Camp and at off-site locations approved by Extension administration. Adventure programs may include but are not
limited to team challenge course (low ropes), climbing, rappelling, zip-line,
and other high ropes activities. All low
and high ropes and adventure programs will be managed according to American
Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) and American Camping Association (ACA)
standards.

One full-time position is
available.
Location: 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello, IL
(This
position is required to live on site at the 4-H Memorial Camp.)

This is a security-sensitive
position. Comprehensive background
checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a
CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program
Development, Delivery and Evaluation

• Schedule, coordinate, and conduct
  adventure programs at 4-H Memorial Camp for clients of residential camping
  programs and day-use only user groups. This work will involve selection and
  training of camp staff, organization of contracts, participant registration
  materials, and all pre- and post-program logistics. Programs will be conducted on-site at 4-H
  Memorial Camp and may occur at other locations as appropriate.
• Develop and implement programs that
  will enhance the leadership, communication, and team building skills of the
  participants through collaboration and cooperation with other universities,
  secondary schools, or private organizations.
• Teach Extension volunteers, Extension
  staff, agency personnel, teachers, and youth in content areas based on research
  in the areas of communication, leadership, teamwork, youth life skills, and
  educational design.
• Provide input to content and
  scheduling of the 4-H summer camp programs.
• Conduct programs for
  Counselor-In-Training Program involving teenage campers.
• Assist with the selection, design,
  construction, and maintenance inspections of new and existing challenge
  events.
• Conduct and document annual inspection
  of challenge course facilities. Coordinate all maintenance and upgrades to adventure program facilities
  as necessary.
• Prepare promotional flyers, brochures,
  web sites, social media, and various printed pieces of information for
  marketing 4-H youth and adventure programs.
• Work jointly with Camp Director to
  coordinate and host user groups at 4-H Memorial Camp.

Organizational Leadership and
Development

• Supervise staff in all
  aspects of the camp program in the absence of the Camp Director.
• Serve as the on-premises
  point of contact during the youth camps and retreats in case of an overnight emergency.
  Examples include medical emergencies, trespassing issues, major/life threating
  damage to facilities, and other time sensitive issues.
• Respond to incidents to determine
  appropriate next steps and to provide necessary remedy to make the situation
  safe. Address any issue concerning campers or employees, contact local first
  responders, contact parents if needed, and contact the Camp Director to report
  or request additional assistance if the situation requires.
• Inspect facilities for
  security and damage on a daily basis during days the camp is not being utilized
  by guests along with other camp staff if they are available.
• Train seasonal summer camp
  staff on how to lead campers through a team challenge course experience at 4-H
  Memorial Camp.
• Assist with recruitment,
  interviewing and selection of challenge course, climbing wall, and camp
  counselor staff. Recruit, select, certify, schedule, and evaluate additional
  facilitators and instructors as needed.
• Assist with leadership and
  supervision of camp counselors and volunteers.
• Manage registration
  materials, medical/health forms, release/hold harmless agreements, evaluations,
  usage records, close-call, accident, and injury reports.

Scholarship

• Build partnerships and
  collaborate with organizations, corporate clients, and school groups.
• Maintain contact with C.I.T.
  campers from previous years to develop future camp counselors.
• Tally and summarize
  evaluation data from previous season.
• Assist with securing the
  needed local resources to maintain and enhance the camp’s educational staffing,
  facilities, and program opportunities.
• Be an active member within a
  professional society(s) to keep abreast of changes within your discipline.
• Continually seek professional
  development opportunities to enhance competency in subject matter area.

Other Information

• Assist unit staff with gathering program participant
  demographic information to ensure compliance with civil rights reporting
  requirements.
• Local, regional and (limited) statewide travel required;
  personal transportation required.
• Weekend, holiday, and evening hours are required. All efforts will be made to share
  these duties with the Camp Director.
• Live on site at the 4-H Memorial Camp.

Physical Demands
To perform the functions of this position, the employee will
be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the
communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one
location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for
securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is
preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or
weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of
environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather,
exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the
functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and
physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently
traveling to and performing work at different locations, ability to move,
transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40)
pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and
pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this
position (including the physical, mental, and environmental requirements of the
position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural,
Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting [email protected].

Administrative and Programmatic Relationship
The Extension Educator, Assistant 4-H
Memorial Camp Director is administratively and programmatically
responsible to the Camp Director, 4-H Memorial Camp.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in camp program management, outdoor recreation, child development, educational design, youth development education, social and behavioral sciences, marketing or other related field. Master’s degrees in other fields will be considered with work experience that demonstrates similar competencies. Candidates with a Master’s degree in progress may be
  considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date.

Experience:

• Experience working in the youth development field or in a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Informal and formal teaching experience.
• Minimum of one year of experience with leadership of high and low ropes course work.
• Demonstrated experience working with school-aged youth across a range
  of ages, developmental stages, backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with programs and philosophies of University of Illinois Extension.
• Completion of Certified Challenge Course Director training from a nationally recognized organization.
• Certification should include low and high ropes, rock climbing, and rappelling.
• Certified in First Aid/CPR from American Red Cross or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to build and maintain diverse networks. Effective communication and computer proficiency skills. Ability to work flexible hours. Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
• Knowledge of professional adventure organizations (i.e. American Camp Association, American Challenge Course Technology, BSA) and their programs.

Appointment
Information
Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for these
positions. These positions are a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure
academic professional positions appointed on a 12-month service basis. The
expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The previously determined salary range
for this position was $59,000 to $82,000. We strive to provide a competitive
salary while taking into consideration internal equity, candidate experience
and qualifications, as well as budget constraints. The final salary offer will
be determined through a calculation involving these elements. It is not typical
for an individual to be offered a salary at the top of the full range for this
position. This position is required to
live on site at 4-H Memorial Camp. The residence consists of a 3-bedroom,
2-bathroom ranch style house with basement and central heat/air that was
renovated in 2024. Electric, gas, water, and internet over fiberoptic cable
included.

Application
Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be
received by 6:00 pm (CST) on March 02, 2026. Apply for this position
using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and
the names and contact information for three professional references. Resume
dates submitted must be in month/year format and employment history, at
a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your
undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be
noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.

For further information about this specific
position, please contact Amanda Taylor at [email protected]. For questions regarding the application
process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions – every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence – where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [email protected].

Requisition ID: 1034551

Job Category: Off-Campus

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu