Extension Agent - 4-H/Youth Development - Richland County

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement is hiring a full-time Extension Agent for 4-H/Youth Development in Sidney, MT. The role involves developing and leading educational programs, assessing community needs, and collaborating with various stakeholders in Richland County. A Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in youth development or education are required, while a Master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should possess strong leadership and communication skills, with a focus on community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups and assess needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop educational programs in 4-H Youth Development.
• Collaborate with Extension faculty to evaluate programs.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Youth development expertise

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in relevant fields

Master’s Degree (preferred)

Job description

Position Overview

This position is located in Sidney, Montana. The Extension Office staff in Richland County includes full‑time agents in agriculture, natural resources, family and consumer science, and community and economic development. The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The full‑time Extension Agent – 4‑H/Youth Development will provide leadership and educational programming in the discipline of 4‑H/Youth Development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research‑based educational programs in 4‑H Youth Development.
• Collaborate with fellow MSU Extension Richland County faculty and other nearby Extension Agents to develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate 4‑H Youth Development programs.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders and Extension staff to continually assess needs to inform educational programming priorities in Richland County and potential collaboration with other counties and reservations.
• 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 Richland County.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to 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 youth, adults, and volunteers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• At least one degree or relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration or related fields.
• 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.

Additional Qualities of the Successful Candidate

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members.
• Delineate evidence of good judgment.
• Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Richland County.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Special Requirements

If the successful candidate holds a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure‑track position. If the 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.

Working Hours & Travel

Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs; work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. The position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.

Driver Requirements

Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. If a valid out‑of‑state driver’s license is held, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.

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.