Oregon State University Extension Service
Clackamas County 4-H Youth Development Program
Position Description: 4-H Livestock Superintendent
Position Title: Livestock Superintendent
Supervision: Directly responsible to OSU Extension agent for 4-H Youth Development in
Clackamas County.
Purpose of position: To provide leadership to the organization and operation of the relevant
4-H livestock show(s) as related to the Clackamas County Fair with the responsibility of helping
boys and girls learn through involvement in this event. To assist in the selection, orientation,
and organization of a 4-H State Fair county livestock team.
Benefits of the position: Fun of working with members, parents, and other 4-H leaders.
Opportunity to enhance organizational, communication, and conflict management skills.
Monetary honorarium from the Clackamas County Fairboard.
Major duties/responsibilities: (may be delegated to assistant and junior superintendents)
1. Coordinate and cooperate in planning, administration, and execution of specific programs
and activities related to fair, including scheduling required equipment and aids, activity set
up and cleanup, and activity coordination.
2. Attend monthly 4-H Livestock Advisory meetings (cannot be delegated). Notify chairperson
if unable to attend.
3. Attend monthly 4-H Fair Management Committee meetings.
4. Meet with other superintendents as required and scheduled.
5. Support decisions of the 4-H Livestock Advisory, 4-H Fair Management Committee, and
county Extension agent.
6. Schedule and facilitate (including notification to leaders) meetings with other leaders in
your project area for input regarding fair planning, as necessary. Recommend a minimum of
one meeting per year.
7. Be responsible for review and submit premium book changes for your species to the 4-H
Livestock Advisory for approval in a timely manner.
8. Submit approved premium book changes to the Extension agent and/or appropriate people.
9. Communicate premium book changes to members and leaders through the 4-H newsletter
or separate mailings.
10. Recruit, train, and evaluate performance of assistant superintendent, clerks, and junior
superintendents. Submit names of assistant superintendents to the Extension agent.
11. Select and recruit qualified judge(s) for your specie(s). Submit names and addresses to
fairboard in a timely manner (this also includes judges for Round Robin showmanship
contest).
12. Orient, assist, and support judges during fair.
13. Submit space requirements for housing and showing of animals to fairboard. Assign barn
space to exhibitors and clubs.
14. Ensure the exhibit area is appropriately and pleasing decorated with an emphasis on
educational content whenever possible.
15. Encourage good herdsmanship and humane treatment of animals.
16. Submit ribbon request in a timely manner. Coordinate the distribution of ribbons, trophies,
etc. during judging events.
17. Solicit and coordinate awards for your project area. Assist in the administration of
premiums.
18. Ensure clerking support is provided during the shows/activities. Check clerk sheets for
accuracy and turn in completed clerk sheets to the 4-H fair office in a timely manner.
19. Ensure the selection and notification of State Fair participants and chaperones. Assist with
the State Fair orientation and coordination of paperwork.
20. Conduct health checks on animal exhibits upon arrival to fairgrounds.
21. Support and enforce 4-H show and code of conduct rules. Cooperate with Overall Livestock
Superintendents, fair management, and Extension agents to ensure a positive experience
for exhibitors and general public.
22. Be available on grounds during the Clackamas County Fair.
23. Establish check-in and show procedures for your project area and communicate this to
appropriate people. Assist Overall Livestock Superintendents with exhibit release.
24. Assist as necessary with market animal weigh-in and auction procedures. Be knowledgeable
of and support auction rules.
25. Cooperate with other 4-H superintendents and FFA advisors to resolve show schedule
conflicts
26. Help ensure the safety of exhibitors, animals, and the general public through
implementation of risk management plans.
27. Be familiar with the grievance procedure and processing of grievances and complaints.
28. Work with 4-H leaders, youth, parents, fair staff, and the public in a positive manner.
29. Assist in the evaluation of programs and activities with the Extension agents and leaders.
30. Assure that fair participation is open to all youth without discrimination.
31. Optional: Assist in the planning and execution of project related clinics and activities for
youth and/or leaders.
Qualifications/requirements of the position:
 Successful completion of the new 4-H leader screening process.
 Selected by vote of the 4-H Livestock Advisory.
 Be willing to participate in training.
 Relate well to people.
 Be willing to stay informed.
 Be enthusiastic about 4-H and supportive of staff and volunteers.
 Be willing to delegate responsibilities.
 Be able to work with discretion and in a professional manner.
 Have an interest in youth.
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Be interested and have ability in organizational aspects of program.
Have knowledge of project area responsible for.
Be able to communicate well with adults and youth.
Be willing to devote the number of hours necessary to do the job.
Be willing to work with all people regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
national origin, age, marital status, disability, and disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran
status.
Expectations of Superintendents:
 Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating behaviors appropriate to a
positive role model for youth.
 Abide by policies and guidelines of the OSU Extension Service state and county 4-H
programs.
 Obey the laws of the locality, state, and nation.
 Refrain from discriminating against others as outlined above.
 Recognize that verbal, sexual, physical abuse, and/or neglect of youth is unacceptable.
 Treat animals humanely and teach 4-H youth to provide appropriate animal care.
 Do not consume alcohol or illegal substances while responsible for youth nor allow 4-H
youth participants under supervision to do so.
 Make sound judgments and be responsible for your actions.
Training:
Superintendent orientation.
Support Available:
 County Extension agents
 Overall Livestock Superintendents
 Other 4-H Superintendents
 Grievance Committee
 Auction Committee
 Fair Management/Fairboard
Developed by Janet Nagele, OSU Extension Agent
1/2000
fair livestock super. position description