Extension Agent - Agriculture​/Natural Resource​/H Youth Development - Powell

Overview

The Extension Agent – Agriculture/Natural Resources/4‑H Youth Development works at the MSU Powell County Extension Office in Deer Lodge, Montana. The primary duty is to assess local community needs and develop, implement, and evaluate extension programs in natural resources, horticulture, agriculture, and 4‑H Youth Development. The agent will provide leadership, collaborate with other extension faculty, and coordinate with county commissioners and community leaders to address policy and resource issues affecting Powell County.

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in natural resources, agriculture, and 4‑H Youth Development based on local community engagement.
• Collaborate with faculty in nearby MSU Extension offices and strengthen the impact of natural resource and agriculture programs in Powell County.
• Lead stakeholder groups in determining priority needs and work with county Commissioners and other community leaders to explore and respond to relevant policies.
• Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.
• Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach for overall extension programming that benefits the effectiveness of the Powell County office.

• Bachelor’s Degree in natural resources, agriculture, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups, assess community needs, and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
• Experience recruiting, training, and providing professional development to volunteers.
• Knowledge of adult learning theory and its application to community‑based education and outreach.

• Master’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, or a related field and/or relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

Full‑time faculty (FTE 1.0) with benefits eligibility. Minimum base salary is $49,580 with a Bachelor’s degree and $56,580 with a Master’s degree. The position is tenure‑track if the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, or it can transition to tenure after completion of a Master’s degree. The role includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel in 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.
• Work hours may vary and include evenings and weekends.

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer and 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. MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans in accordance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act.