Extension Agent – Granite County

Montana State University Extension; Philipsburg (MT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University (MSU) Extension seeks individuals to deliver research-based, educational programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Horticulture, 4-H Youth Development, and Community Vitality across Granite County. The role emphasizes collaboration with local stakeholders to meet community needs and strengthen youth engagement through 4-H activities.

The position includes leadership in program planning and evaluation, coordination of weed management efforts, and oversight of pesticide

Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Horticulture; 4-H Youth Development; and Community Vitality/Family & Consumer Science.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county officials, and local organizations to enhance 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.
• Serve as Granite County Weed Coordinator and oversee the Granite County Weed Management program.
• Possess or obtain licenses/certifications and oversee the Private Pesticide Applicator Education Program in Granite County.

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.