Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Extension Agent
- On Farm Irrigation
- Flathead Reservation

Position Information

Announcement Number - FAC - VA - 26009

Classification Title
- Extension Agent

Working Title
- Extension Agent
- On Farm Irrigation
- Flathead Reservation

Brief

Position Overview
- This position resides at the MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office in Polson, Montana. The primary duty for MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Faculty is to assess community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the MSU Extension Flathead Reservation Irrigation Efficiency Agent position will be to provide technical assistance to irrigators and producers to more effectively use irrigation water to enhance the growth of forages, pasture, and field crops.

It is anticipated that the effective development and delivery of Extension programming will generate positive economic and community development impacts. This position will have a strong partnership with the Compact Implementation Technical Team (CITT), the interagency advisory committee implementing the CSKT-Montana Water Compact. The MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office currently has two other agents working in Extension disciplines. One agent position works in family and consumer sciences, youth development, and community mental health.

The second agent works in the areas of agriculture and horticulture. The office also houses two SNAP nutrition Agents.

Faculty Tenure Track
- No

Faculty Rank
- Non-Tenure Track

Position Number - TBD

Department
- Extension Agents/Field

Division
- Extension

Appointment Type
- Faculty

Contract Term
- Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

Union Affiliation
- Exempt from Collective Bargaining

FTE - 1.0

Benefits Eligible
- Eligible

Salary - MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Starting salaries are determined based on education and prior experience. The minimum base salary with a bachelor's degree is $51,660, and with a master's degree is $58,660.

Contract Type - LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type
- Open

Position Details

General Statement - MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University. Focus of this position will entail the collaborative planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency education programming and on-farm practices.

The audiences for identified emphases are tribal and non-tribal ranchers and farmers, irrigation districts, the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP), and other interested parties in the area. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate educational outreach opportunities and one-on-one consultations that will increase the knowledge of irrigation systems and may lead to the application and adoption of water use efficiency practices by irrigators.

Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in other Extension disciplines and assistance with MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts and the delivery of Extension's mission at the local level.

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

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor's Degree agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields. Demonstrated ability 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 youth and adult audiences.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- 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.…