West Plains District Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

West Plains District Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

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

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research‑based educational programming related to family and consumer sciences (family life, nutrition, food safety, parenting, communication, financial management, leadership, and health).
• Share responsibility for 4‑H youth development programming related to family and consumer sciences.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps communities become better places to live, work, and play through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K‑State 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 K‑State Next‑Gen Strategic Plan.
• Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension 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 West Plains 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.

The West Plains Extension District consists of Finney and Scott counties in western Kansas. The district’s team serves 41,900 residents and provides information on agriculture, family and consumer sciences, horticulture, 4‑H and youth development, healthy living, and more. This agent will serve residents of both counties through research‑based health and wellness education and activities.

This agent will serve people in the West Plains District. The district has offices in Garden City and Scott City. The primary office will be in Garden City, KS. Work is on site in the Finney County Extension office and at locations throughout the district. Occasional overnight travel, evenings and weekends may be required. Travel and subsistence reimbursement will be provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework.

Graduates should possess specialized knowledge and skills to deliver extension services. These competencies are typically developed through a formal degree. (Additional qualifications may be required.)