Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Extension Educator
What extension educators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an extension educator?
Answer calls at the county office. From there, the day usually includes teach workshops, advise farmers, and run 4-H programs. Full time, with evening and weekend events.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an extension educator working full time.
- Answer calls at the county office.
- Visit a farm.
- Identify a plant disease sample.
- Teach a pesticide class.
- Meet 4-H leaders.
- Write a newsletter.
- Lead a 4-H club meeting.
Where extension educators work
Educators work in county offices, farms, schools and community sites.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with evening and weekend events.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach workshops
- Advise farmers
- Run 4-H programs
- Run field days
- Answer questions
- Write publications
- Evaluate programs
Tools you’ll use every day
- Presentation tools
- Diagnostic kits
- Newsletters
- Social media
- Program databases
- Vehicles
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Community impact
- Varied work
- University benefits
- Teaching and advising
What’s hard
- Slight decline
- Evening events
- Travel around the county
- Budget cuts
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like teaching
- I love agriculture
- I like community work
- I work with youth
- I don’t mind evenings
- I like varied days
Not sure? Take the free Extension Educator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow pesticide safety
- Follow youth protection rules
- Drive safely
- Follow farm safety