Agriculture and Natural Resources 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 are jointly responsible to the director of K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of research-based educational programming for producers, landowners, and emerging agricultural audiences on topics including small-acreage management, livestock, grazing, soil health, conservation, water quality, wildlife and woodland management, specialty crops, risk management, and other emerging agricultural issues.
• Develop and coordinate youth livestock and agricultural education programs in partnership with the Shawnee County 4‑H Youth Development program, including YQCA training, livestock weigh‑ins, the Shawnee County Livestock Spring Show, and hands‑on learning opportunities that promote agricultural literacy, responsible animal care, leadership, and workforce readiness.
• Identify local agricultural needs and build partnerships to address emerging issues by engaging producers, commodity groups, stakeholders, agencies, university faculty, specialists, and industry experts; coordinating educational resources and programs on issues such as farm succession, agricultural policy, and stress management.
• 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 K‑State 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 K‑State 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 Shawnee County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county‑wide programming and related events.
• Primary responsibility is small farms and resource management programming.

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 at extension.k‑state.edu.

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

This position is On‑site
. This agent will serve the people of Shawnee…