Flathead County Agriculture Extension Agent

Overview

The MSU Flathead County Extension Agent is responsible for assessing local community needs and developing, implementing, and evaluating Extension programs in horticulture, agriculture, natural resources, and 4‑H Youth Development. The role is based at the MSU Flathead County Extension Office in Kalispell, Montana and focuses on improving the long‑term success of horticulture practitioners, agricultural enterprises, natural resource managers, and youth development participants.

• 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 increase effectiveness.

• 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.

The position offers continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county and occasional travel statewide. Work may require evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are required.

If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the appointment is tenure track. Candidates without a Master’s degree may begin in a non‑tenure track role and transition to tenure track upon completion of the degree.

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.

To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.