Position Summary
Position Description
General Statement
Montana State University 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.
MSU Extension and the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development are seeking nominations and applications to fill the position of Extension 4-H Ag/Natural Resources and Regional Specialist. The 4-H Center for Youth Development at MSU provides ongoing support to the 4-H program and serves as a statewide resource to Extension faculty and staff, volunteers, and families, as well as other organizations and groups, providing expertise on agriculture and natural resources program development and delivery, positive youth development, families, and communities. The 4-H Center is a welcoming and supportive office comprised of personable, engaging, youth-minded, collaborative, and motivated faculty and staff who bring a sense of purpose and enjoyment to their work.
The 4-H Center partners with the Montana 4-H Foundation to fund operations and programs, including livestock and natural resources programs. Currently, Montana 4-H serves over 14,500 youth annually through 4-H community clubs, school enrichment, out-of-school programs, and special interest activities (For additional information, please visit our Extension and 4-H webpages at http://msuextension.org and montana4h.org).
Statewide Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide statewide leadership for a comprehensive agriculture and natural resources program plan, including steps for determining needs, organizing, conducting, evaluating, and reporting program impacts.
Collaborate with 4-H Center Director, faculty, and staff, Extension departmental specialists, Extension agents, and other resources to identify program emphasis and direction, policies and procedures, and manage overall agriculture and natural resource budgets.
Conduct workshops, present research-based information, and publish scholarly work.
Provide leadership for the development of curriculum related to agriculture and natural resources.
Provide statewide support for Extension faculty and volunteers in the areas of:Ag & Natural Resource program and event planning, implementation, evaluation, and impact reportingResources for fair preparation and best practices
Statewide horse and livestock events
Statewide judging camps, workshops, and contests
Required Quality Assurance training
Required horse helmet safety training
STEM programs related to agriculture and natural resources
National 4-H Beyond Ready Initiative
Advise, coordinate, and work cooperatively with the state horse and livestock committees and Outdoor Education Coordinator.
May provide leadership for the 4-H shooting sports program, if needed, providing guidance to the shooting sports coordinator who works with the state advisory group, coordinates training for leaders and instructors, maintains an accurate leader training database, submits regular newsletter and website updates, has fiscal management of the program, and maintains equipment checks and inventory.
Provide leadership and organization to the agriculture-related state contests and shows, such as:Montana 4-H Congress – horse judging, hippology, livestock judging
Working Ranch Horse Finals & State Horse Shows
Serve as the statewide point of contact for questions, concerns, or assistance needed by Extension faculty about agriculture and natural resources and related program delivery.
Regional Duties and Responsibilities:
Provide regional support for Extension faculty and volunteers in the following areas:Contribute to 4-H professional development for agents
Leadership of 4-H onboarding for new agents and support of program development
Assistance and support with local 4-H issues and challenges, including youth, family, and volunteer development
Point of contact in the region for local office support when a 4-H agent position is vacant
Frequent travel required throughout the state.
Required Qualifications
Earned master’s degree in agriculture, agricultural education, Extension education, other youth development, or closely related field. Demonstrated understanding of agriculture and natural resources 4-H youth development programs. Ability to provide leadership in planning, organizing, conducting, evaluating, and reporting educational programs related to agriculture and natural resources 4-H youth development programs. Ability to maintain and build volunteer involvement in all 4-H delivery modes. Experience in county and/or reservation 4-H youth development programming or other comparable experience with youth and leaders.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience as a 4-H field faculty member. An earned doctoral degree from an accredited university in a field appropriate for the position. Demonstrated excellence in teaching, innovative teaching strategies and methods, and use of technology. Demonstrated success in grantsmanship and grant writing.
Other Requirements
The Successful Candidate Will Possess excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills. Have the ability to manage multiple and complex tasks with attention to detail. Have the ability and willingness to work a varying schedule that will include evenings and occasional weekends as assigned. Establish relationships and work with people of varying backgrounds and experiences. Possess an understanding of the positive youth program development domain of the 4-H Professional Research and Knowledge Base and Related Competencies. Have the ability to travel on a frequent basis. Possess the ability to represent MSU Extension and the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development and its programs to others in a professional, courteous, and competent manner. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. For more information on 4-H PRKC, visit: https://www.nifa.usda.gov/sites/default/files/resources/4-H%20PRKC%202017%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf For more information on 4-H VRKC, visit: https://4h-volunteerism-resources.extension.org/home/volunteer-research-and-knowledge-competency-vrkc/
Travel Requirements
Frequent travel throughout the state
Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?
yes
Contact Name
Teri Antilley
Contact Email
teri.antilley@montana.eduContact Phone
406-994-6816
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.
About Montana State University Extension
Brief Position Overview
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.