PAID INTERN POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR 4-H EXPLORATION DAYS

Position (two positions are available)                                                               

First-half summer semester (approximately: May 14 to June 29)

30-40 hours/week; number of hours is negotiable and can vary weekly

      • Wage is $8/hour                                    

      • GPA minimum: 3.0

      • Office location is MSU Extension Children & Youth Institute/4-H

        Agriculture Hall Annex                                       

                                                                                                                                                           

Application Guidelines

Submit resume and cover letter by March 19, 2012* to:

Judy Ratkos, Senior Program Leader, CYI/4-H

160 Agriculture Hall, MSU

Phone:  517/432-7613; Email: ratkos@msu.edu; Fax:  517/355-6748           

* Interviews will begin March 20.

General Responsibilities

Assist with coordination, implementation and wrap up of a large, youth development conference called 4-H Exploration Days under the direction of Judy Ratkos, program coordinator.  Exploration Days is an annual 4-H MSU pre-college program that attracts approximately 2,500 participants who represent all 83 Michigan counties. For more information, visit http://4h.msue.msu.edu/4h/4_h_exploration_days

Qualifications

 1.  Interest in gaining program planning and event coordination experience.

 2. Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work well under deadline pressure.

 3. Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

 4. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

 5. Ability to accept responsibility and follow through as needed.

 6.  Demonstrated drive and initiative, enthusiastic, and possess a high energy level.

 7. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

 8. Good critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

    9. Must have a driver’s license and be able to drive an office minivan for errands as needed.

  10. Must be able to lift 30 to 40 pounds.

  11. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel or Access, and PowerPoint.

  12.  Some evening work is expected but will be known in advance.

  13. Past 4-H experience is useful but not required.

Specific Functions (Functions 1 & 2 will be assigned to two different interns. Functions 3 to 6 apply to both positions.)

1.   Assist with the recruitment, selection, confirmation and training of volunteer session and activity hosts (approximately 300 people total).  Session hosts assist instructors with tasks such as get-acquainted activities, roll call, and reporting absences back to the event General Headquarters.  Activity hosts assist with recreational activities and help youth as needed as they navigate the large MSU campus.

2.   Coordinate and manage session field trip bus/van schedules (approximately 55 trips total). This includes providing assistance and support to session coordinators to help them finalize session instructor and field trip information. Handle details of correspondence, accounting, and other related functions pertaining to the management of session field trips.

3.  Attend the entire event (other than time possibly needed to attend MSU classes) including staying overnight at Akers Hall with the rest of the event headquarters staff.  The event headquarters is operated from Tuesday, June 19 to Friday, June 22, 2012.

4.  Assist with participant housing assignments.

5.   Gather data for reports and program evaluation.

6.  Assume other Exploration Days responsibilities as needed.