Job Information
Montana State University Extension Agent - Agriculture - Flathead Reservation in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 23057
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dan Lucas at (406) 274-8969 or daniel.lucas@montana.edu
Classification Title Extension Agent
Working Title Extension Agent - Agriculture - Flathead Reservation
Brief Position Overview
This position resides at the MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office in Polson, Montana
The primary duty for MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Faculty is to assess local tribal community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the MSU Flathead Reservation Agriculture Agent position will be in the areas of horticulture, agriculture, food sovereignty, food security, and natural resources. It is anticipated effective Extension programming will generate positive economic and community development impacts.
The MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office currently has an agent working in all four quadrants of Extension: Agriculture, Youth Development, Community Development, and Family Consumer Science, and two Nutrition Educators.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up to Professor
Position Number 4B3559
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 $42,000. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $49,000.
Contract Type MUS
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of students and the mission of Montana State University.
Focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate horticulture, agriculture, small acreage stewardship, and food sovereignty and security educational programs serving all Flathead Reservation clientele emphasizing traditional and emerging interests. Horticulture, forage production, invasive species, pasture management, livestock nutrition, food sovereignty, food security, and water management can be focus disciplines. The audiences for identified emphases are tribal ranchers and farmers, small acreage stewards, and residential clients. Educational efforts are anticipated to generate positive outcomes for economic and community development. The successful candidate will provide leadership by working successfully with youth and adult learners, volunteers, and Reservation clientele to identify and meet tribal community needs in the Flathead Reservation. Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in 4-H Youth Development or other Extension disciplines to assist MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and 4-H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.
Collaborate with fellow MSU Extension Gallatin County faculty to develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate 4-H Youth Development programs.
Collaborate with other faculty in Gallatin County and other nearby MSU Extension offices.
Strengthen the impact and scope of the Extension Agriculture/Horticulture and Natural Resource program in Gallatin County.
Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Gallatin County and the surrounding area.
Provide leadership to stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
Involve community leaders in exploring and responding to agriculture policy and natural resource issues that affect Gallatin County.
Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.
Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development, and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Gallatin County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Gallatin County office.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for extension programming for youth, adults and volunteers.
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 – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master’s degree.
At least one degree or relevant work experience in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources 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.
Experience working with sovereign tribal nations.
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 [Name of 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
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 begin on February 24, 2023; 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.