Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24144 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Dan Lucas (406) 274-8969 daniel.lucas@montana.eduClassification Title Extension Agent Working Title Extension Agent - Agriculture/Community Vitality - Missoula County Brief Position Overview This position resides at the MSU Missoula County Extension Office in Missoula, Montana.MSU Extension seeks individuals who desire to make a difference in lives and communities. The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the Missoula County Agriculture/Community Vitality Agent position will be in the areas of commercial agriculture and community vitality.The MSU Extension Missoula County Office also has a Horticulture Agent, 4-H Youth Development Agent, Family and Consumer Science Agent, and a full-time administrative professional.Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B3879 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 $47,500. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $54,500. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement 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.The primary focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate programs that will enhance commercial agriculture enterprises and community vitality in Missoula County, Montana. The person in this position will increase the local knowledge base and success of commercial agriculture through Extension education programming and enhance community and economic well-being of communities throughout Missoula County.Specific areas of emphasis may include building community leadership capacity, business retention and recruitment, work toward enhancing economic vitality, and enhancing the economic and ecologic sustainability of agricultural enterprises.Duties and Responsibilities
Assess the needs of clientele to effectively plan, implement and evaluate Extension education programs for agriculture enterprises with a livestock emphasis and community vitality programs throughout Missoula County.
Assist groups and individuals in identifying commercial agriculture opportunities to improve their economic position.
Assist and educate landowners in making ecologically sound landscape management decisions.
Identify plants, insects, and plant diseases and provide practical solutions.
Assist with Private Applicator (Re)Certification Program. Must possess or be able to obtain a Government Pesticide Applicator’s License.
Cooperate and collaborate with area Extension agents and other faculty to do effective, integrated educational programming.
Collaborate with members of the research community on increasing the knowledge base and success of agricultural producers.
Increase the knowledge base on the economics of growing and marketing agricultural products.
Collaborate with other office faculty and staff in delivering MSU Extension programming to Missoula County.
Collaborate with County Department Head on educational programs and county budget.
Utilize all available media sources and technologies to communicate with MSU Extension personnel and others, and to disseminate information to clientele.
Position requires frequent night and weekend work, extensive reading, frequent travel throughout the county, occasional travel throughout the state of Montana, and travel to and from programs with adult and youth attendees.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Range Management, Public Administration, Community Development, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability to 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 theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree in Agriculture, Range Management, Public Administration, Community Development, or related fields and/or relevant work experience.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
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 Missoula County; and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. 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. Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. Position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.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.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.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 The scholarship of 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 be on a continual basis.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.