Extension Agent, Family and Community Wellness

Position Summary

Descriptive Title

Chisholm Trail District Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent

Position Description

This agent will support healthy families through research-based wellness education and initiatives in Chisholm Trail District.

 

Search Details:

• K-State Career #519336.
• Application Deadline: April 7, 2025.

Position Details:

• Service Area: Chisholm Trail District (consists of Dickinson and Marion counties).
• Office Location: Abilene, KS.
• Title: Extension Agent.
• Program Focus: Family & Community Wellness.

 

About This Role

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 K‑State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming to build healthy, sustainable communities, families, and individuals. Programming will be conducted with volunteers and extension colleagues to: strengthen families and individuals; build community capacity; promote individual and community health and wellness; support local food systems; and lead volunteer development.
• Manage Chisholm Trail District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‑Ed) efforts to prevent nutrition and activity-related chronic disease by empowering limited-resource Kansans to   achieve healthy lives, improve food security, and reduce health disparities.
  • Provide primary supervision for the district’s two full-time SNAP-Ed nutrition educators.
• 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 K‑State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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 K‑State 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, train 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 Chisholm Trail District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events. This will include collaborative efforts related to local food systems, such as educational initiatives for local school and community gardens.

 

About Us

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at ksre.k-state.edu.

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

Chisholm Trail Extension District is comprised of Dickinson and Marion counties in central Kansas. The district is centrally located between Manhattan, Salina, and Wichita on the edge of the scenic Flint Hills. The current district staff consists of six agents and six support staff, who serve our approximately 30,000 residents. We are searching for an ambitious, progressive team member to help us make a difference in our communities through innovative family and food-system programs.

 

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of Chisholm Trail District. The Chisholm Trail Extension District has offices in Abilene and Marion. This agent’s primary office will be in Abilene, KS.

Work for this position is on site in the Chisholm Trails District’s Dickinson County extension office and at locations throughout the district.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends.

 

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.
• Familiarity with or interest in working with people from various backgrounds, and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• 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.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

 

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• a cover letter,
• a resume,
• and a copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received.
  • An unofficial transcript is sufficient.

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

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted until April 7.

 

Salary, Benefits and Professional Development

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of benefits.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents.

 

K-State Employment Statements and Policies

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting the Principles of Community.

Work Authorization:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Mary Hellmer

Contact Email

ksrejobs@ksu.edu

Contact Phone

7855325790

Application Instructions

Apply for K-State Career #519336. You will be asked to provide a resume, cover letter, and copy of your academic transcript(s), as well as the names and email addresses of three professional references.

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