Job Information
Montana State University Extension Agent - Agriculture and 4-H/Youth Development - Rosebud &Treasure Counties in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25001
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Larry Brence at 406-874-8236 or lbrence@montana.edu
Classification Title Extension Agent
Working Title Extension Agent - Agriculture and 4-H/Youth Development - Rosebud &Treasure Counties
Brief Position Overview
The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphases of the Rosebud/Treasure County Extension Agent position will be Agriculture and 4-H/Youth Development. The office is also staffed by a full-time agent whose responsibilities are family and consumer sciences and 4-H/youth development, and a full-time administrative assistant who is supervised by both Extension agents.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up to Professor
Position Number 4B0067
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. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor’s degree is $46,325. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $53,325.
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Rosebud and Treasure counties cover more than 6,000 square miles of southeastern Montana. Land types range from mountain foothills in the south to semi-arid grasslands in the north.
Cash receipts for agricultural products between the two counties totals almost $150 million. Cattle numbers total about 115,000 head, and operations consist mainly of cow/calf operations, but there are also yearling stocker operations, commercial backgrounding lots and feedlots. There are also a limited number of sheep operations. Both counties are dissected by the Yellowstone River, which provides irrigation water for several crops including sugar beets, corn, alfalfa, small grains, and a variety of other crops grown on a small scale. Irrigated farming also occurs along the Tongue River in the southeast portion of Rosebud County. Crop production outside the Yellowstone Valley consists primarily of dryland small grains and hay production.
The 4-H program consists of approximately 144 members and 34 volunteer leaders in 6 organized clubs. Major industries of Rosebud and Treasure Counties are agriculture, coal mining and power generation.
We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of students and the mission of Montana State University.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, plan, implement, facilitate and evaluate educational programs in agriculture, including dryland and irrigated crop production, livestock production, farm and ranch financial management, noxious weed management, range management, pest management, and pesticide training.
In partnership with the FCS Agent, provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Rosebud/Treasure County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program.
Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to conduct continuous needs assessments in 4-H Youth Development and other areas, to inform programming priorities in Rosebud and Treasure Counties.
Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing the overall MSU Extension program in Rosebud and Treasure Counties.
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Rosebud and Treasure Counties.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree or relevant work experience in agriculture, youth development or related fields.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective Extension programs for youth and adult audiences.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
· Masters Degree.
· At least one degree or relevant work experience in agriculture or related fields.
· At least one degree in 4-H or other youth development related fields.
· Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
· Extension experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will possess excellent human relation skills; a high level of professionalism; the ability to work effectively with other staff members; evidence of good judgment; flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Rosebud & Treasure Counties; and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will also have a familiarity with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position, if filled at the Master’s degree level, will be tenure-track. A successful candidate without a Master’s degree will be required to complete their Master’s degree, in a program area relevant to their Extension position, within six (6) years of their start date. Failure to do so may result in termination.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.
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:
Screening of applications will begin on August 12, 2024; however, applications will continue to 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 values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/dualcareer.html
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. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/index.html.