Job Information
Montana State University Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Science/Community Vitality - Custer County in Bozeman, Montana
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24147
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Larry Brence at 406-874-8236 or lbrence@montana.edu
Classification Title Extension Agent
Working Title Extension Agent - Family and Consumer Science/Community Vitality - Custer County
Brief Position Overview
The primary duty for County (Tribal) Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary emphases for this full-time position will be to provide leadership and educational programming in the disciplines Family and Consumer Science and Community Vitality with secondary emphasis in 4-H/Youth Development. The Extension Office staff in Custer County also includes full-time agents who cover agriculture and natural resources, community vitality, and 4-H/youth development. There is also a full-time administrative assistant in the office.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up to Professor
Position Number 4B0023
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
Custer County is located in southeastern Montana and is dissected by the Yellowstone River. The Extension Office is located in the county seat, Miles City (Population 8,487), which is located at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. Custer County has a population of 11,729 with the bulk of the population located in Miles City and along the Yellowstone River corridor. Custer County serves as a hub for southeastern Montana activities, and as a result numerous regional Extension activities are conducted in Miles City. Miles City is a trade and banking center for southeastern Montana featuring a thriving livestock market and many other businesses that cater to the agricultural and retail needs of southeastern Montana residents. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, and boating. Miles City is also home to modern medical facilities including a modern hospital, clinics, and other services.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, and who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills and contribute positively to the people of Custer County under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.
Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, implement, and evaluate Economic and Community Development programs, through a local, needs-driven process.
Plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate and educational Family and Consumer Sciences programs through a local, needs-driven process.
Work closely with formal and informal advisors to identify educational needs in the areas of Family and Consumer Science and Community Development for programming opportunities in Custer County.
In collaboration with other Custer County Faculty, develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs for 4-H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.
Involve local citizens and community organizations in identifying needs and priorities, targeting new audiences, and developing and implementing appropriate and responsive educational programming.
Serve as an ex-officio member of various agency and community committees relating to family and consumer science and community development.
Cooperate with other Extension agents in cross-county programming efforts.
Utilize all available media sources, including electronic mail, the internet, and other advancing technology, to communicate with MSU Extension staff and others, and to disseminate information to clientele.
Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.
Comply with all Extension, federal, state, university, and county reporting requirements.
Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Custer County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Custer County office.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in economic development, community development, family and consumer science, education or other related fields.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
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 economic development, community development, family and consumer science, education or other related fields.
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 Custer 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 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.) 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 June 6, 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.