Flint Hills District Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

About This Role

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of KState Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Collaboratively lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Share leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of 4H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support; out-of-school programs; school enrichment; volunteer management; and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
  • This agent will share management responsibilities for the Morris County 4-H program.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to KState Research and Extension's five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow's leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the KState Next-Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Flint Hills District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more ate.edu.

4H provides school-aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research-based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential.

Learn more about Kansas 4H .

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

The Flint Hills District is comprised of Morris and Chase counties, with a combined population of approximately 7,800. The district covers 1,468 square mi in the heart of the beautiful Flint Hills and is home to over 350 farms and ranches. The district has an active 4-H youth development program with more than 170 members. When fully staffed, the district employs four agents, two office professionals and one program assistant.

This agent will share both agricultural and 4-H programming responsibilities with other Flint Hills District agents.

This agent will serve the people of Flint Hills District. The Flint Hills Extension District has offices in Cottonwood Falls and Council Grove. This agent's primary office will be in Council Grove, KS.

Work for this position is on site in the Morris County Extension office and at locations throughout the district.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence…