Position Description

Montana State University (MSU) Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state. Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site: Extension.

Pondera County is located in the Golden Triangle area of Montana, one hour north of Great Falls and within two hours of Glacier National Park. Conrad, the county seat, has a population of around 2,400, with total county population of around 6,000. Other towns and communities in Pondera County include Brady, Dupuyer, Heart Butte, Ledger, and Valier, with complete (K-12) school systems in Conrad, Valier, and Heart Butte. Major agricultural commodities include cattle and hogs, primarily raised on the county’s five Hutterite colonies, and crops such as small grains, pulse crops, oilseeds, and hay. Other major industries include manufacturing, tourism, and health care, including a community hospital and an assisted living facility. A portion of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation is located in the western part of the county. The Pondera County 4-H program has 104 enrolled members and 24 volunteer leaders and includes four organized 4-H clubs and one shooting sports project club.

We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with various individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and have the ability to contribute positively to the Land Grant mission of Montana State University.

Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Family and Consumer Sciences, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Vitality.
Provide shared leadership with the peer Pondera County agent for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Pondera County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.
Collaborate with Extension faculty and county staff to plan and execute the four-county Marias Fair and the Multi-County 4-H Camp, with specific leadership for oversight of the Marias Fair Exhibit Building.
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 Pondera County.
Collaborate with local and regional Extension staff, community leaders, and stakeholders to conduct needs assessment to identify and inform educational programming priorities in Pondera County.
Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing an effective, interdisciplinary MSU Extension program in Pondera County.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences, health and human development, family science, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.
At least one degree or relevant work experience in family and consumer sciences, health and human development, family science, 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.
Demonstrated understanding of youth and adult learning principles and their application to community-based education and outreach.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.

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 Pondera 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.

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

Contact Phone

406-223-4727

Application Instructions

Apply online at www.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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