Extension Faculty Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
FAC - VA - 25087
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dan Lucas
(406) 274-8969
daniel.lucas@montana.edu
Classification Title
Extension Agent
Working Title
Extension Agent - Agriculture/Natural Resource/4-H Youth Development - Powell County
Brief Position Overview
This position resides at the MSU Powell County Extension Office in Deer Lodge, Montana
The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the Powell County Agriculture/Natural Resources/4-H Youth Development Agent position will be in the areas of natural resources, horticulture, agriculture, and 4-H Youth Development.
As an MSU Extension faculty member leading Extension education for the people of Powell County, efforts will address current and emerging locally identified opportunities for Powell County. The focus of this position is to improve the long-term success of natural resource managers, agricultural enterprises, horticulture practitioners, and 4-H Youth Development. It is anticipated that the intensity of focus within identified disciplines will be adjusted to address local trends.
The MSU Extension Powell County Office also has a full-time administrative professional.
Faculty Tenure Track
Yes
Faculty Rank
Up to Professor
Position Number
4B4136
Department
Extension Agents/Field
Division
Extension
Appointment Type
Faculty
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation
Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Starting salaries are determined based on education and prior experience. The minimum base salary with a bachelor's degree is $51,660, and with a master's degree is $58,660.
Contract Type
LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
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.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in natural resources, agriculture, and 4-H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.
• Collaborate with other faculty in nearby MSU Extension offices.
• Strengthen the impact and scope of the Extension Natural Resource/Agriculture programs in Powell County.
• Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Powell County and the surrounding area.
• Provide leadership to stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
• Work with Powell County Commissioners and other community leaders in exploring and responding to agriculture and natural resource policies and issues that affect Powell County.
• Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.
• Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Powell County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Powell County office.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Bachelor's Degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related fields.
2. Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
3. Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership to Extension programming relating to volunteers and youth.
5. Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

1. Master's degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related field and/or relevant work experience.
2. Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members.
• Demonstrate evidence of good judgment.
• Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Powell County.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
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.
Physical Demands
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 Program
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."
The Department
The College
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search.
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Applications will be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Please note, for this position, five (5) references have been requested.
EEO Statement
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.