Extension Agent - 4-H and FCS - Big Horn County
Montana State University
Position Details Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 25052 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Larry Brence at 406-874-8236 or lbrence@montana.edu Classification Title Extension Agent Working Title Extension Agent - 4-H and FCS - Big Horn County Brief Position Overview The primary duty for County (Tribal) Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary emphases for this full-time position will be to provide leadership and educational programming in the disciplines Family and Consumer Science and 4-H Youth Development. The Extension Office staff in Big Horn County also includes a full-time agent with responsibilities in agriculture and natural resources, and 4-H/youth development.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with people from all backgrounds, and who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills and contribute positively to the people of Big Horn County under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B0067 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. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor’s degree is $47,500. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $54,500. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement Big Horn County is located in southcentral Montana and borders Wyoming to the south. The Big Horn County Extension Office is located in Hardin which is also the county seat. The county has a population of 12,865, with 3,505 living in the county seat of Hardin. The county is comprised of 3.2 million acres of which 2.2 million acres are located on the Crow Indian Reservation. The landscapes of Big Horn County are diverse, featuring the Big Horn and Pryor Mountains as well as semi-arid plains and irrigated river valleys. A small portion of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation is located in the eastern portion of the county. Two attractions in the county are the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument/Custer National Cemetery and the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Recreational opportunities include world class hunting and fishing and water sports. Crow Agency is the home of Little Big Horn College. Diversity of population and geography are keys to Big Horn County’s uniqueness. Hardin is home to a modern hospital and is only 45 miles away from a major medical community in Billings. The Big Horn County 4-H program consists of approximately 95 youth members and 25 adult leaders in four organized clubs. Duties and Responsibilities Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate successful, research-based educational Family and Consumer Science programs, through a local, needs-driven process. In partnership with the Ag Agent, provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Big Horn County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program. Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to continually assess needs to inform educational programming priorities in Big Horn County and potential collaborations with other counties and reservations. Cooperate with other MSU Extension staff in implementing, maintaining, and evaluating a balanced interdisciplinary Extension program which will benefit the ongoing effectiveness of the Big Horn County Extension program. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Big Horn County. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science, education, youth development or related field. Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for positive youth and volunteer development. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and 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 At least one degree or relevant work experience in family and consumer science, education, youth development or related field. Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues. Extension Experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model. The Successful Candidate Will Possess excellent human relation skills. Work with a high level of professionalism. Have the ability to work effectively with other staff members. Demonstrate evidence of good judgment. Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Big Horn County. Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Be familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences. Establish relationships and work with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master’s degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The scholarship of Extension work at MSU is defined as, “The creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good.” The Department The College MSU Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on January 6, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions Please note – for this position – Five (5) references have been requested. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with people from all backgrounds, and who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills and contribute positively to the people of Big Horn County under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B0067 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. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor’s degree is $47,500. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $54,500. Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement Big Horn County is located in southcentral Montana and borders Wyoming to the south. The Big Horn County Extension Office is located in Hardin which is also the county seat. The county has a population of 12,865, with 3,505 living in the county seat of Hardin. The county is comprised of 3.2 million acres of which 2.2 million acres are located on the Crow Indian Reservation. The landscapes of Big Horn County are diverse, featuring the Big Horn and Pryor Mountains as well as semi-arid plains and irrigated river valleys. A small portion of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation is located in the eastern portion of the county. Two attractions in the county are the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument/Custer National Cemetery and the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Recreational opportunities include world class hunting and fishing and water sports. Crow Agency is the home of Little Big Horn College. Diversity of population and geography are keys to Big Horn County’s uniqueness. Hardin is home to a modern hospital and is only 45 miles away from a major medical community in Billings. The Big Horn County 4-H program consists of approximately 95 youth members and 25 adult leaders in four organized clubs. Duties and Responsibilities Develop, plan, implement, and evaluate successful, research-based educational Family and Consumer Science programs, through a local, needs-driven process. In partnership with the Ag Agent, provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Big Horn County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program. Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to continually assess needs to inform educational programming priorities in Big Horn County and potential collaborations with other counties and reservations. Cooperate with other MSU Extension staff in implementing, maintaining, and evaluating a balanced interdisciplinary Extension program which will benefit the ongoing effectiveness of the Big Horn County Extension program. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Big Horn County. Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science, education, youth development or related field. Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for positive youth and volunteer development. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and 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 At least one degree or relevant work experience in family and consumer science, education, youth development or related field. Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues. Extension Experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model. The Successful Candidate Will Possess excellent human relation skills. Work with a high level of professionalism. Have the ability to work effectively with other staff members. Demonstrate evidence of good judgment. Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Big Horn County. Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Be familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences. Establish relationships and work with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master’s degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Physical Demands To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The Program The scholarship of Extension work at MSU is defined as, “The creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good.” The Department The College MSU Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Posting Detail Information Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on January 6, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions Please note – for this position – Five (5) references have been requested. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. FLSA Details FLSA Determination FLSA Status Exempt Applicant Documents Required Documents Resume Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications Optional Documents Supplemental Questions
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