Position Summary
Descriptive Title
Wildcat District Horticulture Extension Agent
Position Description
About This Role:
The Wildcat District proudly serves the 98,000+ residents of Crawford, Montgomery, Labette and Wilson Counties.
Our large team of 14 specialized agents, six office professionals and multiple nutrition educators is active, positive, and team-oriented.
We work with community partners in all four counties and deliver research-based information related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, families, health, wellness, community vitality, and more.
Extension agents are professional educators 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.
This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to horticulture. Programming may include but is not limited to: horticultural crop production, marketing, and economics; horticultural waste management; landscape maintenance and improvement; and conservation of natural resources.
Location:
Offices in Altamont, Fredonia, Girard and Independence, KS; primary office in Girard.
Duties/ Responsibilities:
Extension agents are professional educators 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 related to horticulture. Programming may include but is not limited to: horticultural crop production, marketing, and economics; horticultural waste management; landscape maintenance and improvement; and conservation of natural resources.
- Coordinate Wildcat District’s Extension Master Gardener Program, a team of extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities.
- Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to horticulture and gardening.
- Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities 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 engage clientele. 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 programming needs.
- Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
- Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
- Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Horticulture Program Focus Team.
- Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
- Serve as a member of the Wildcat District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
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 various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some 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 external grant funding.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
More Information
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. The base starting salary is $45,000 for a bachelor’s degree with no professional experience and $49,000 for a master’s degree with no professional experience.
- Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; vacation and sick leave; and eligibility for health and life insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: www.k-state.edu/hcs/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.
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.
How to Apply:
Please submit the following:
- Cover letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications).
- Resume.
- Contact information and email addresses for three professional references.
- Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)
Application Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until May 9, 2024.
Background Screening Statement:
In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.
Travel Requirements
Some overnight travel will be required. Travel related to achieving program objectives will be reimbursed.
Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?
yes
Contact Name
Mary Hellmer
Contact Email
ksrejobs@ksu.eduContact Phone
(785) 532-5790
Application Instructions
For more information visit: www.ksre.k-state.edu/about/careers
Equal Employer Statement(s)
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.
About K-State Research and Extension
K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansas. It has established local, state, regional, national, and international partnerships. It is dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families, and youth through integrated research, analysis and education. With 131 years of research and 104 years of extension, K-State Research and Extension has been improving the quality of life and standard of living for Kansans for a century. K-State Research and Extension is a partnership between Kansas State University and the federal, state, and county governments. Research completed is used by extension agents and others to help solve community issues. This integrated system connects the university to every county through locally based educators who serve as sources of objective information. K-State Research and Extension is a short name for Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.