Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Montana State University; Polson (MT); On-site; USD 51,660 - 58,660; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University Extension's Extension Agent – On Farm Irrigation role is based in Polson, MT, serving the Flathead Reservation. The position focuses on irrigation efficiency for forages, pasture, and crops, and partners with the CSKT–Montana Water Compact.

The successful candidate will lead education programs, collaborate with MSU Extension faculty, travel across the reservation, and work evenings/weekends as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.
• 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 representing diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency, water management, measurement, soil sciences, and crop production.
• Collaborate with the CITT for program direction and implementation.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and surrounding areas.
• Provide leadership to local stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
• Engage the irrigation community by attending meetings, presenting outreach and education programming, conducting one‑on‑one site visits, and maintaining regular communication.
• Conduct continuous needs assessments on the Reservation to inform programming efforts and priorities.
• Investigate and communicate on‑farm efficiency funding opportunities and assistance programs to the irrigation community.

Skills

Group leadership

Community needs assessment

Program development

Teaching

Diversity communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields

Job description

Extension Agent – On Farm Irrigation – Flathead Reservation

Position Overview: This position resides at the MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office in Polson, Montana. The primary duty is to assess community needs and develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming focused on irrigation efficiency to enhance growth of forages, pasture, and field crops. The role partners with the Compact Implementation Technical Team and the CSKT–Montana Water Compact.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency, water management, measurement, soil sciences, and crop production.
• Collaborate with the CITT for program direction and implementation.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and surrounding areas.
• Provide leadership to local stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
• Engage the irrigation community by attending meetings, presenting outreach and education programming, conducting one‑on‑one site visits, and maintaining regular communication.
• Conduct continuous needs assessments on the Reservation to inform programming efforts and priorities.
• Investigate and communicate on‑farm efficiency funding opportunities and assistance programs to the irrigation community.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.
• 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 representing diverse audiences.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Relevant work experience in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related field.
• Extension experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.
• Strong facilitation skills, ability to build consensus, and develop constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
• Experience working with indigenous communities.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Effectively collaborate with other staff members.
• Exhibit good judgment.
• Be flexible and innovative to respond to changing needs of people in Flathead Reservation.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Position Special Requirements & Additional Information

• Work hours vary and may include evenings and weekends; continuous professional development and frequent travel throughout the reservation and occasionally statewide.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements for operating State/University vehicles. If holding a valid out‑of‑state license, must obtain a valid Montana license within 60 days of hire.
• Physical demands related to field work, travel, and site visits.

Benefits & Compensation

FTE: 1.0. Salary: Starting salaries based on education and experience. Minimum base salary with a bachelor’s degree is $51,660; with a master’s degree is $58,660. Benefits eligible (details provided upon offer).

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 Status

Exempt.

Required Documents

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional Documents

Not specified.