Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development – Blaine County

Position Summary

Position Description

General Statement
Blaine County is located in north central Montana, and the county borders Canada. Blaine County has an area of 4,500 square miles with an average of 1.7 persons per square mile. The county population is near 7,000, with the largest population centers in Chinook, Harlem, and Turner. Based on an agricultural economy, Blaine County also relies on oil, gas, tourism and education as primary sources of employment. Hunting, fishing, rodeo, softball and bowling are popular forms of recreation. The Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is located along the southern border of the county. Bear Paw Battlefield National Park is located 15 miles south of Chinook and the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation lies in the eastern third of the county. Complete school systems are located in the communities of Chinook, Harlem, and Turner. Montana State University-Northern and the Northern Montana Medical Center are located in Havre, 21 miles west of Chinook. The Blaine County 4-H program has 100 youth members, 15 adult leaders, and six organized clubs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Family and Consumer Sciences and Community Vitality, as determined by community needs assessment.
Work collaboratively with the Blaine County Agriculture and 4-H Youth Development agent to provide shared leadership for the development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Blaine County 4-H Youth Development program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program.
Cooperate with other MSU Extension staff in implementing, maintaining, and evaluating a balanced interdisciplinary Extension program which will benefit the ongoing effectiveness of the Blaine County Extension program.
Collaborate with local stakeholders and Extension staff to continually assess needs to inform educational programming priorities in Blaine County and potential collaboration with other counties and reservations.
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 Blaine County.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree. Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences. Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree. At least one degree or relevant work experience in youth development, education, family and consumer sciences, or community vitality, or a related field. 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.

Other Requirements

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 Blaine 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. 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.

Travel Requirements

Frequent Travel throughout the county; occasional travel throughout the state

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Name

Tracy Mosley

Contact Email

tmosley@montana.edu

Contact Phone

406-223-4727

Application Instructions

Apply online at montana.edu/extension/careers

Equal Employer Statement(s)

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. Montana State University 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.

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