May 23, 2006

Purdue Extension careers offer a diverse array of opportunity

Extension educators represent the face of Purdue in all 92 Indiana counties and staff the Purdue Extension offices. These community coaches partner with city and state organizations to solve a variety of problems at the county level and help improve the quality of life for local residents.

"There are tremendous needs in Indiana communities today that need attention," said Dan Stewart, assistant director of Purdue Extension. "Due to the range of problems that face Indiana communities, there is no shortage of work."

Agriculture and natural resources, consumer and family sciences, economic and community development and 4-H youth development are the four subject areas Extension revolves around.

"We are continually recruiting for several open Extension educator positions," Stewart said. "Extension educators will be in demand more and more as programs grow in areas such as community health, economic development and youth leadership."

The job description for Extension positions may be the same, but how one goes about accomplishing those goals and the day-to-day activities are very different. Educators have the ability to tailor the programs and activities they are involved with to match their interests. No two educators have the same job, but they may take the same role.

"We are looking for people with a high energy level that have a passion for education," Stewart said. "They must be problem solvers, able to identify and deliver information to meet those needs and enjoy working with people of all ages."

Extension educators connect education and research from land-grant universities and make it useful to people in local communities, giving them the tools to use that knowledge. The educational programs address local issues and provide practical solutions to problems.

Programs range in topics from leadership training to land-use planning programs and from environmental information to family nutrition programs, money management and business-development resources.

Leah Beyer is an Extension educator for Shelby County specializing in 4-H youth development. She works with children in the classroom, at 4-H club meetings, at science workshops, 4-H camps and other events. Beyer finds working in a family-friendly atmosphere with youth to be the most fulfilling part of being an educator.

"Helping children learn to discover new ideas and concepts and being able to see their reactions is so rewarding," Beyer said. "It is a very positive experience that provides instant fulfillment and gratification."

Amy Kinsler, an Extension educator specializing in 4-H and youth development from Clinton County, has developed an after-school program focusing on ethnic culture that introduces Hispanic youth to 4-H. For the past four years, she has enjoyed getting involved and teaching others.

"I am able to get to know individuals in the community and become a part of it," Kinsler said. "It truly is a career with intrinsic rewards and I get to see the impact I am making."

Nathan Crane, an Extension educator from Switzerland County, finds the variety of projects he is involved with the most appealing part of his job. Crane specializes in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development and economic and community development. With the variety of projects Crane works on, no day is ever the same as the one before.

"I can be working with a 4-H member on a project and then run into his parents who are dealing with a particular issue and help them also, " Crane said. "I am continuously looking for new ways to get involved around my county and am focusing on marketing our Extension office through traditional and nontraditional programs."

An Extension educator position requires a master's degree with academic training and professional experience relevant to the general and specific responsibilities of the position. Individuals must have demonstrated leadership and management abilities, the ability to identify needs and develop educational programs, work effectively with other people, possess knowledge of basic educational methods and be committed to the concepts of lifelong learning.

"Extension educators are a valuable part of our Indiana communities," said David Petritz, director of Purdue Extension. "They are the proactive eyes and ears for the land-grant system at the community level and they use their expertise to address and resolve issues."

Additional information about Extension positions is available at the Extension Career Web site. The site includes information on openings, job requirements and application procedures.

Writer: Julie Douglas, (765) 496-1050, douglajk@purdue.edu

Sources: Dave Petritz, (765) 494-8489, dpetritz@purdue.edu

Dan Stewart, (765) 281-1507, dstewart@purdue.edu

Leah Beyer, (317) 392-6460, lbeyer@purdue.edu

Nathan Crane, (812) 427-3152, nrcrane@purdue.edu

Amy Kinsler, (765) 659-6380, akinsler@purde.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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