Extension Agent

AgUpdate; Billings (MT); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University Extension in Lewistown, MT seeks an Extension Agent to serve Fergus and Petroleum Counties in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development with secondary emphasis on Community Vitality. The role conducts needs assessments and develops education programs based on research to meet local priorities.

The position requires a bachelor's degree; a master's degree is preferred, and the agent will build partnerships, lead youth initiatives, and collaborate with staff

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development.
• Provide shared leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Fergus and Petroleum Counties 4-H program.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with peers, county officials, and community stakeholders to leverage programming.
• Hire, supervise, support, and coach county employees in the Extension Office.

Job description

#### Extension Agent at Msu Extension\\_fergus# Extension AgentMsu Extension\\_fergusBillings, MTFull-timeEducationPosted on October 09, 2026MONTANA STATE UNIVERISTYExtension Agent - Agriculture, Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development - Fergus and Petroleum Counties|Please see Special Instructions for more details.This position is not eligible for sponsorship.Please note - for this position - Five (5) references have been requested.Position DetailsPosition InformationAnnouncement Number FAC - VA - 27022For questions regarding this position, please contact:Tracy [e-mail]406-223-4727Classification TitleWorking Title Extension Agent - Agriculture, Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development - Fergus and Petroleum CountiesBrief Position OverviewThis position is located in Lewistown, Montana.The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary areas of emphasis of this Fergus-Petroleum Counties Extension Agent position are Agriculture, Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development, with secondary emphasis on Community Vitality. The Fergus-Petroleum Counties Extension office is staffed by one Agriculture, Natural Resources, and 4-H Youth Development agent; one Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development agent, one 4-H Program Assistant, and one full-time administrative assistant.Faculty Tenure Track YesFaculty Rank Up To ProfessorPosition Number 4B3914Department Extension Agents/FieldDivision ExtensionAppointment Type FacultyContract Term Fiscal YearSemesterIf other, specify From dateIf other, specify End dateUnion Affiliation Exempt from Collective BargainingFTE 1.0Benefits Eligible EligibleSalary 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 MUSIf other, please specifyRecruitment Type OpenPosition DetailsGeneral StatementMontana State University (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. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state. Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site: Extension.Fergus and Petroleum Counties, located in Central Montana, encompass just over 6,200 square miles and are populated by approximately 11,800 and 550 residents, respectively. The county seats of Lewistown and Winnett have approximately 6,200 and 200 residents, respectively. Other towns include Denton, Grass Range, Moore, Roy, and Winifred. Excellent schools and the Central Montana Medical Center are important aspects of this area, as are the multitude of recreational activities available across the varied landscape and streams. Agriculture is a primary economic driver in both counties, dominated by livestock, hay, and small grain production, with most of the land in pastures and cropland. The Fergus-Petroleum Counties 4-H program has 236 members and 76 volunteer leaders enrolled in the program and encompasses 13 organized 4-H clubs.We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with various individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the Land Grant mission of Montana State University.Duties and ResponsibilitiesConduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Horticulture; 4-H Youth Development; and Community Vitality.Provide shared leadership with the peer Fergus and Petroleum Counties agent for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Fergus and Petroleum Counties 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.Provide timely, relevant agriculture programming focused on livestock production; natural resource, farm and ranch, small acreage, and weed management; and horticulture that results in positive community impacts.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 Fergus and Petroleum Counties.Work collaboratively with Fergus County Human Resources and the Commissioners to hire, supervise, support, and coach county employees in the Extension Office.Collaborate with local and regional Extension staff, community leaders, and stakeholders to conduct needs assessment to identify and inform educational programming priorities in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing an effective, interdisciplinary MSU Extension program in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & SkillsBachelor's degree in agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, or a related field.Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.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 & SkillsMaster's degree.At least one degree or relevant work experience in agriculture, animal science, natural resource management, or a 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.Demonstrated understanding of youth and adult learning principles and their application to community-based education and outreach.Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.The Successful Candidate WillPossess excellent human relation skills.Work with a high level of professionalism.Possess 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 Fergus and Petroleum Counties.Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.Establish relationships and work with various backgrounds and experiences.Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.Position Special Requirements/Additional InformationIf 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.Obtain a Government Pesticide Applicator license and provide oversight of the local Private Pesticide Applicator program in Fergus and Petroleum Counties.Work hours vary