Flathead County Agriculture Extension Agent

Flathead County Agriculture Extension Agent

This position resides at the MSU Flathead County Extension Office in Kalispell, Montana. The primary duty is to assess community needs and develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs, focusing on horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources. The role emphasizes improving the success of horticulture practitioners, agricultural enterprises, natural resource managers, and 4‑H Youth Development.

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, and 4‑H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.
• Collaborate with fellow MSU Extension Flathead County faculty to develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate 4‑H Youth Development programs.
• Collaborate with other faculty in Flathead County and other nearby MSU Extension offices.
• Strengthen the impact and scope of the Extension Horticulture/Agriculture/Natural Resource program in Park County.
• Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Flathead 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 Flathead County.
• Conduct continual needs assessments in Flathead County.
• Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Flathead County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Flathead County office.

• Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, agriculture, 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 recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership to Extension programming relating to volunteers and youth.
• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning principles and its application to community‑based education and outreach.

• At least one degree in agriculture, animal science, agronomy, natural resource management, or a 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.

• Possesses excellent human relation skills.
• Works with a high level of professionalism.
• Possesses the ability to work effectively with other staff members.
• Demonstrates evidence of good judgment.
• Has the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Flathead County.
• Possesses the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establishes relationships and works with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

• If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure‑track position. If not, the position will be filled as a non‑tenure‑track position; upon completion of a Master’s degree, the candidate will transition to a tenure‑track position.
• Work hours vary and may include evenings and weekends. Frequent travel throughout the county and occasional travel statewide is required.
• Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. If the candidate holds a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, a Montana driver’s license must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Salary:
  Minimum base salary with a Bachelor’s degree is $49,580. Graduate salary ranges depend on education and prior experience.
• Benefits:
  Awarded to all full‑time Extension faculty.

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.

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications