Flathead County Agriculture Extension Agent

Position Overview

This position resides at the MSU Flathead County Extension Office in Kalispell, Montana. The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the Flathead County Agriculture Agent position will be in the areas of horticulture, agriculture, and natural resources.

Foci of this position are to improve the long-term success of horticulture practitioners, agricultural enterprises, natural resource managers, and 4‑H Youth Development. The role will support multi‑disciplinary programming and, as appropriate, collaborate with 4‑H Youth Development faculty to plan, implement, and evaluate such programs.

The focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate horticulture, agriculture, and natural resource educational programs serving all Flathead County clientele, emphasizing traditional and emerging interests. Potential focus disciplines include horticulture, forage production, invasive species, pasture management, livestock nutrition and water management. Audiences include commercial ranchers and farmers, small acreage stewards, and residential clients.

• 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 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 surrounding areas.
• 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.

• 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.

• Master’s degree.
• 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.

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively with other staff members.
• Show good judgment and discretion.
• Be flexible and innovative in responding to changing needs of people in Flathead County.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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; upon completion of a Master’s degree the employee will transition to a tenure‑track position.

Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours,…