Extension Agent - Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Position: Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation
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.

Focus of this position will entail the collaborative planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency education programming and on-farm practices. The audiences for identified emphases 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 will increase the knowledge of irrigation systems and may lead to the application and adoption of water use efficiency practices by irrigators.

Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in other Extension disciplines and assistance with MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts and the delivery of Extension's mission at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency water management and measurement, as well as soil sciences and crop production topics.
Collaborate with CITT for program direction and implementation.
Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and the surrounding area.
Provide leadership to local stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
Engage with 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.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Bachelor's Degree agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability 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.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

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.

The Successful Candidate Will

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.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.

Position

Special Requirements /Additional Information
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 reservation, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.

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…