Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems County Program Assistants

Title

Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems County Program Assistants (Part‑time)

Positions:
Two (2) positions working up to 14 hours per week.

Extension Department of Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

May–Fall 2026, exact start and end dates determined by workload and selected applicant availability.

Casual non‑exempt, job code 0005. This is an hourly appointment.

$15–$18 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience. Work‑related mileage and expenses will be reimbursed.

Three county program assistant positions (two detailed below) work up to 14 hours per week starting in May, continuing through the fall. Start and end dates are flexible based on selected applicant schedule.

Positions located in Hutchinson/Litchfield, MN and Waite Park, MN. Work requires outdoor duties during summer and fall weather conditions in farm fields, garden plots, and uneven terrain.

• Hutchinson or Litchfield, MN – Assist Crops and Livestock Extension educators. Projects include event planning and execution, curriculum development related to small farms, on‑farm research projects, writing news releases, promotional material, and technical assistance to county residents. Primary office location will be Hutchinson or Litchfield. Reports to Karen Johnson, Extension educator.
  
  Hours:
  
  up to 14 per week from May through approximately December 31 2026.
• Waite Park, MN – Assist Horticulture Extension Educator. Projects include event planning and execution, answering horticulture questions from the public, and volunteer management. Primary office location is Stearns County. Reports to Quincy Sadowski, Extension educator.
  
  Hours:
  
  up to 14 per week from May through approximately October 1 2026.

• Research topics for curriculum development.
• Adapt curriculum and marketing to reach new audiences.
• Write curriculum.
• Conduct focus groups.
• Create educational pieces for the media.
• Build relationships and networks in agricultural or natural resource fields, including connecting with presenters, farmers, non‑profits, agency staff, Extension educators and specialists.
• Support Master Gardener volunteers through various volunteer projects.
• Plan, market and conduct educational events.
• Assist in on‑farm research efforts by sampling, site visits and assessments.
• Develop, administer and analyze a needs assessment for a specific audience.
• Create engaging social media content for county accounts.
• Provide technical assistance by answering the public’s questions through phone, email and in‑person communication.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Required – High school diploma or equivalent.
• Evidence of coursework or practical experience in the relevant content area.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs.
• Ability to learn additional educational software systems.
• Independent self‑starter and flexible worker capable of varied tasks.
• Must complete the required Google form to indicate positions of interest.

• Additional Requirements – Reachable by mobile when not in office; reliable internet for remote work; flexible schedule including evenings or weekends; valid driver’s license, insurance and reliable vehicle; capacity to sit/stand for long periods; lift/push/pull up to 30 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds; work outdoors in summer/fall; not eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Preferred – Semester of post‑secondary studies in agriculture or related major; experience creating social‑media posts; customer service experience.

Pay range: $15–$18 per hour.

Retirement plan options available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor‑Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications.

Background check required. Applicants presumed eligible to work in the U.S.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.