Extension Agent - Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Dan Lucas  and daniel.lucas.

Classification

Title:

Extension Agent – On Farm Irrigation – Flathead Reservation
Working Title: Extension Agent – On Farm Irrigation – Flathead Reservation

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 community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of this role will be to provide technical assistance to irrigators and producers to more effectively use irrigation water to enhance the growth of forages, pasture, and field crops.

It is anticipated that the effective development and delivery of Extension programming will generate positive economic and community development impacts. This position will partner closely with the Compact Implementation Technical Team (CITT), the interagency advisory committee implementing the CSKT‑Montana Water Compact.

The focus of this position is collaborative planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency education programming and on-farm practices. The audiences are tribal and non‑tribal ranchers and farmers, irrigation districts, the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP), and other interested parties in the area. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate educational outreach opportunities and one‑on‑one consultations that increase knowledge of irrigation systems and may lead to adoption of water‑use efficiency practices by irrigators.

Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in other Extension disciplines and assistance in generating community impacts and delivering Extension’s mission at the local level.

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency, water management and measurement, soil sciences, and crop production.
• Collaborate with CITT for program direction and implementation.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and surrounding area.
• Provide leadership to local stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
• Engage with the irrigation community by attending meetings, presenting outreach and education programming, one‑on‑one site visits, and through regular communication and planning materials.
• Conduct continual needs assessments on the Reservation to inform programming efforts and priorities.
• Investigate and communicate on‑farm efficiency related funding opportunities and assistance programs to the irrigation community within the Flathead Reservation.

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.

• Master’s degree.
• Relevant work experience in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related field.
• Extension experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups, create consensus, and collaboratively develop constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
• Experience working with indigenous communities.

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Possess 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 Flathead Reservation.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.