Extension Agent – FCS/4-H Youth Development – Fergus and Petroleum Counties

Position Summary

Position Description

General Statement
This position is located in Lewistown, Montana, which is the county seat for Fergus County. Located in Central Montana, Fergus County covers approximately 4,340 square miles. The county is bordered on the north by the Missouri River and on the south by the Big Snowy Mountains. The county is approximately 2.8 million acres with beef cow-calf, dryland small grain, and dryland hay being the primary agricultural production enterprises. Lewistown is the county seat with a population of 5,923. Other small towns in the county include Denton, Grass Range, Moore, Roy, and Winifred. County population, according to July 1, 2022, estimates is 11,663.

Fergus County ranks third in Montana in total market value of agricultural products sold and generates about $64 million in cash receipts in both livestock and crops annually. Approximately 113,000 acres of winter wheat, 41,000 acres of spring wheat, 39,000 acres of barley, and 171,000 acres of alfalfa hay are harvested annually and there are about 120,000 head of beef cattle and calves. Agricultural production, agri-business, and small manufacturing form the basis of the economy along with the education, medical care, and government office sectors. In the 2024-2025 4-H year, the program included 253 youth members, 47 Cloverbuds, and 72 adult volunteers in 14 organized clubs. Fergus County is a mix of three mountain ranges, an inter-mountain basin, open prairie, and the Missouri River breaks. A multitude of fishing, hunting, and recreational opportunities exist within the county and in the nearby area. Excellent schools and the Central Montana Medical Center are important aspects of this central Montana community.

The Extension agent in this full-time position will focus on providing leadership and educational programming in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences in both Fergus and Petroleum Counties. The Extension Office is staffed by one other Extension Agent (Agriculture and Natural Resources and 4-H/Youth Development), a full-time 4-H Program Assistant, and one full-time Office Clerk.

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

Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, as determined by local community engagement, that result in positive community impacts.
Provide shared leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program.
Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to conduct continuous needs assessments in Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development to inform programming priorities in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.
Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing the overall MSU Extension program in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.
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 Fergus and Petroleum Counties.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Youth Development, Human Development, or related field. Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. 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, Youth Development, Human Development, or 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 Fergus and Petroleum Counties. 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

tmosley@montana.edu

Contact Phone

406-223-4727

Application Instructions

Apply online at http://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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