Natural Gardener Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of KState Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Manage Pottawatomie County's Extension Master Gardener (EMG) program, a team of approximately 15 extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities. This will entail directing all EMG activities, while ensuring alignment with KState Extension's priorities, Pottawatomie County needs, and statewide EMG guidelines.
• Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources such as, youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to KState Extension's five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow's leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the KState Next-Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Pottawatomie County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
• May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension's representative and the extension board.

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

Pottawatomie County covers 862 mi2 and includes a mix of rural communities, small towns, and rapidly developing suburban areas near Manhattan and Wamego. The county is comprised of more than a dozen communities, including: Wamego (largest city), Westmoreland (county seat), St. George, St. Marys, Onaga, Olsburg, Havensville, and others. Pottawatomie County has a significant agricultural sector, with 820 farms producing soybeans, corn, forage, wheat, and cattle. The county's extension staff consists of three agents, an office professional, and a program assistant.

Work for this position is on-site in the Westmoreland office.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., agricultural education, livestock production, agronomy, horticulture).
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or evidence of progressively responsible professional roles).
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.
• Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• Master's degree.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Additional Role Information:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing KState's initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• a copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received
  • An unofficial transcript is sufficient

You will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references.

Applications close on: September 9, 2026

Interviews will be held September 23, 2026.

$47,500-$70,000