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.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with people of many backgrounds, and who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Sheridan County under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.
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 $47,500. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $54,500.
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. The land is mostly prairie, of which three-fourths is tillable. The soil is of glacial origin which provides a rich base for small grain production. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture there were 458 farms with an average size of 2,323 acres. 1,041,794 out of the total county acres of 1,073,056 were in farms. 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
Possess excellent human relation skills.
Work with a high level of professionalism.
Have the ability to work effectively with other staff members.
Demonstrate evidence of good judgment.
Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Sheridan County.
Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Be familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences.
Be committed to continually supporting, promoting, and building a whole community, which includes people of many backgrounds.
Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master’s degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.
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
MSU Extension improves 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 January 6, 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.