Job Information
Montana State University Extension Agent - Sheridan County in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24123
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Larry Brence
406-874-8236
lbrence@montana.edu
Classification Title Extension Agent
Working Title Extension Agent - Sheridan County
Brief Position Overview
The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphases of the Sheridan County Extension Agent position will be 4-H/Youth Development with secondary responsibilities in the areas of Agriculture, Community Development and Family and Consumer science. The office is also staffed by a full-time administrative assistant.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up to Professor
Position Number 4B3781
Department Extension Agents/Field
Division Extension
Appointment Type Faculty
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor’s degree is $46,325. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $53,325.
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Sheridan County is located in the extreme northeastern corner of Montana bordering North Dakota to the east and Canada to the north. The Extension office is located in Plentywood which is also the county seat. Sheridan County is a rural agricultural community whose top industry centers on the family farm and ranch. Wheat, cattle, and pulse crops are the major agricultural products, with Sheridan County leading the state in durum wheat production. Sheridan County is also the leading pulse crop producing county in the US.
The 4-H program has an enrollment of 98 youth in 5 clubs throughout the county, and 17 volunteer leaders. Oil production and development is also an important component of the local economy. Sheridan County has excellent health care and retirement facilities and is the location of a center for developmentally disabled adults. According to the 2020 Census, the population of Sheridan County is 3564 residents of whom 1669 live in Plentywood which also serves as the primary trade center for the county. K-12 education is available in Plentywood, Medicine Lake, and Westby. Sporting opportunities abound in Sheridan County with the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge, world class pheasant hunting, and numerous other recreational and sporting opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Sheridan County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program.
Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in agriculture, community vitality, and family and consumer science as identified by community needs.
Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to conduct continuous needs assessments in 4-H Youth Development and other areas, to inform programming priorities in Sheridan County.
Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing the overall MSU Extension program in Sheridan County.
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 Sheridan County.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree.
At least one degree or relevant work experience in youth development, education, agriculture, family and consumer science, community vitality 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.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will possess excellent human relation skills; a high level of professionalism; the ability to work effectively with other staff members; evidence of good judgment; flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Sheridan County; and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will also have a familiarity with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position, if filled at the Master’s degree level, will be tenure-track. A successful candidate without a Master’s degree will be required to complete their Master’s degree, in a program area relevant to their Extension position, within six (6) years of their start date. Failure to do so may result in termination.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
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.
The Department
The College
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on March 11, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Please note – for this position – Five (5) references have been requested.
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/dualcareer.html
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. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/index.html.