Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25079 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Teri [email protected] Classification Title Working Title 4-H Ag/Natural Resources and Regional Specialist Brief Position Overview The Extension 4-H Ag/Natural Resources and Regional Specialist will provide statewide leadership and direction for youth development programming and resources in agriculture and natural resources, as well as regional 4-H support 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
The specialist in this position will be officed in an assigned (Western, Central, or Eastern) region of Montana or in the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman, MT. This specialist will participate as an engaged member of the Montana 4-H Center team to plan, deliver, and evaluate youth and adult trainings, resources, programs, and activities.Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Tenure Track/Non-Tenure Track Position Number 4B3899 Department Extension 4-H 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 $60,000-$80,000, salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details 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).Duties and Responsibilities 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 reporting
Resources 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 – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
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, Education, Knowledge & Skills
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.
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.pdfFor more information on 4-H VRKC , visit:https://4h-volunteerism-resources.extension.org/home/volunteer-research-and-knowledge-competency-vrkc/Position Special Requirements/Additional Information If the successful candidate holds a doctoral degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a doctoral degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a doctoral degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.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 In addition to regular daytime office hours, this position requires some night and weekend work. The position also requires extensive reading, frequent travel throughout the region, occasional travel throughout the state of Montana, and travel to and from programs with adult and youth participants. The position also requires using a variety of teaching methods and handling and operating a variety of demonstration and educational equipment.Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)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 The Department The College MSU Extension’s mission is to improve the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased, research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities.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 April 21, 2025; 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.EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU 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.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.