Position Description

General Statement
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.

The focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development educational programs serving all Powell County clientele emphasizing traditional and emerging interests. Horticulture, forage production, invasive species, pasture management, livestock nutrition, water management, and 4-H Youth Development can be focusing disciplines. The audiences for identified emphases are commercial ranchers and farmers, small acreage stewards, and residential clients. The successful candidate will provide leadership by working successfully with volunteers and clientele to identify and meet community needs in Powell County. Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in 4-H Youth Development or other Extension disciplines to assist MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts.

Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in natural resources, agriculture, and 4-H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.
Collaborate with other faculty in nearby MSU Extension offices.
Strengthen the impact and scope of the Extension Natural Resource/Agriculture programs in Powell County.
Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Powell County and the surrounding area.
Provide leadership to stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
Work with Powell County Commissioners and other community leaders in exploring and responding to agriculture and natural resource policies and issues that affect Powell County.
Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.
Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Powell County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Powell County office.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership to Extension programming relating to volunteers and youth.
Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related field and/or relevant work experience.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

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 Powell 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

Dan Lucas

Contact Email

daniel.lucas@montana.edu

Contact Phone

(406) 274-8969

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.

Montana State University Extension

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.

Full Time

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