Extension Agent - Agriculture/Natural Resource/4-H Youth Development - Powell County

MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.

The focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development educational programs serving all Powell County clientele emphasizing traditional and emerging interests. Horticulture, forage production, invasive species, pasture management, livestock nutrition, water management, and 4-H Youth Development can be focusing disciplines. The audiences for identified emphases are commercial ranchers and farmers, small acreage stewards, and residential clients. The successful candidate will provide leadership by working successfully with volunteers and clientele to identify and meet community needs in Powell County. Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in 4-H Youth Development or other Extension disciplines to assist MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts.

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership to Extension programming relating to volunteers and youth.

• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.

• Master’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related field and/or relevant work experience.

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master’s degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.

Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. Position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

The scholarship of Extension work at MSU is defined as, “The creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good.”

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Upon completion of a successful search.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Exempt