Extension Agent – Granite County

JOE; Montana; Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University Extension seeks a dedicated agent for Granite County to plan, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs in Agriculture and 4-H Youth Development. You will build partnerships with local agencies to extend reach and impact across Granite County.

The role leads the Granite County 4-H program, oversees weed management, and ensures compliance with Private Pesticide Applicator Education requirements, demonstrating collaboration and strong community leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, youth development or related field.
• Ability to lead groups and assess community needs and develop effective programs.
• Ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse community organizations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 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 secondarily Community Vitality and Family and Consumer Science.
• 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 Granite County.
• Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Granite County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.
• Will have responsibilities as the Granite County Weed Coordinator and oversee the Granite County Weed Management program in Granite County.
• Possess or obtain licenses/certifications and provide oversight of the local Private Pesticide Applicator Education Program.

Skills

Leadership

Group facilitation

Effective communication

Community needs assessment

Volunteer management

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, natural resources, youth development or related field

Job description

Montana 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.MSUExtension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs.MSUExtension 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.

Granite County is located in west central Montana and has a population of approximately 3,500. Philipsburg is the county seat with a population of approximately 900. Other towns and communities in Granite County are Drummond, Hall, Maxville, and Georgetown Lake. The area is largely mountainous, and the Continental Divide forms the southern boundary including portals to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The Clark Fork River crosses the northern section, while Rock Creek traverses the entire length of the county in the west. Georgetown Lake, a popular fishing spot, lies along the southeastern border. Agriculture is the largest economic activity in the Granite County and includes cattle, forage, sheep and timber. The county has a strong 4-H program with good support from volunteer leaders. The 4-H program has 72 youth members, 15 adult volunteers, and 3 organized clubs. The Tri-County Fair, shared with Powell and Deer Lodge Counties, is the highlight of the 4-H year.

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 Responsibilities

• Conduct 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 secondarily Community Vitality and Family and Consumer Science.
• 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 Granite County.
• Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Granite County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.
• Will have responsibilities as the Granite County Weed Coordinator and oversee the Granite County Weed Management program in Granite County.
• Possess or obtain licenses/certifications and provide oversight of the local Private Pesticide Applicator Education Program.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, youth development 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

• Master’s degree.
• At least one degree or relevant work experience in agriculture, natural resources, youth development, 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.

Other Requirements

• The Successful Candidate Will
• Possess 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 Granite County.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.

Travel Requirements

Frequent travel throughout the county; occasional travel throughout the state.

Driver’s license or alternate transportation required?

yes

Contact Phone

406-544-5090

Equal Employer Statement(s)

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.
Montana State University 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.