Extension Agent - Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Position Overview

This position resides at the MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office in Polson, Montana. The primary duty is to assess community needs and develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. Focus is on providing technical assistance to irrigators and producers to use irrigation water more effectively, enhancing the growth of forages, pasture, and field crops. The role will partner strongly with the Compact Implementation Technical Team (CITT) and the interagency advisory committee implementing the CSKT‑Montana Water Compact.

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency, water management, measurement, soil sciences, and crop production.
• Collaborate with CITT for program direction and implementation.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and 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 about farm efficiency related funding opportunities and assistance programs to the irrigation community within the Flathead Reservation.

• Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, 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 work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of audiences.

• 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.

• Excellent human relation skills and high level of professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with other staff members and demonstrate good judgment.
• Flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Flathead Reservation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Working outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. The position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel within 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 the successful candidate possesses a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license, they must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

The role requires the ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

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.

Required documents:
Resume or Curriculum Vitae;
Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship. Five (5) references have been requested.