Position Description

General Statement
Focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate horticulture, agriculture, and natural resource educational programs serving all Flathead County clientele emphasizing traditional and emerging interests. Horticulture, forage production, invasive species, pasture management, livestock nutrition and water management can be focus 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 Flathead 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.

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

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

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, 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 principles and its application to community-based education and outreach.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.
At least one degree in agriculture, animal science, agronomy, natural resource management, 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 Flathead County.
Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Establish relationships and work with various 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

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.

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