Shawnee County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

Kansas State University; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University’s Shawnee County Extension is seeking an on-site Extension Agent to lead and evaluate education programs for producers and youth. You will collaborate with local 4-H, partner with stakeholders, and align activities with K-State’s strategic plan while occasionally traveling to events in the evenings and on weekends.

The role emphasizes building relationships, securing funding, and delivering impactful programs across Shawnee County in Topeka, KS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Academic coursework or professional development related to duties.
• Strong communication skills in writing and speaking.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of research-based educational programming for producers and landowners.
• Develop and coordinate youth livestock and agricultural education programs with Shawnee County 4‑H.
• Identify local needs and build partnerships with stakeholders to address agricultural issues.
• Support community vitality programming to strengthen local leadership and civic engagement.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to expand program reach and impact.
• Travel as needed to host events during evenings and weekends.

Skills

Communication

Group facilitation

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

About This Role

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, delivery, and evaluation of research-based educational programming for producers, landowners, and emerging agricultural audiences on topics including small-acreage management, livestock, grazing, soil health, conservation, water quality, wildlife and woodland management, specialty crops, risk management, and other emerging agricultural issues.
• Develop and coordinate youth livestock and agricultural education programs in partnership with the Shawnee County 4‑H Youth Development program, including YQCA training, livestock weigh‑ins, the Shawnee County Livestock Spring Show, and hands‑on learning opportunities that promote agricultural literacy, responsible animal care, leadership, and workforce readiness.
• Identify local agricultural needs and build partnerships to address emerging issues by engaging producers, commodity groups, stakeholders, agencies, university faculty, specialists, and industry experts; coordinating educational resources and programs on issues such as farm succession, agricultural policy, and stress management.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K‑State Research and Extension’s five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow’s leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the K‑State Next‑Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community‑based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Shawnee County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county‑wide programming and related events.
• Primary responsibility is small farms and resource management programming.

About Us

K‑State Extension connects Kansans to research‑based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K‑State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k‑state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

Worksite Description

This position is On‑site. This agent will serve the people of Shawnee County. The Shawnee County Extension office is in Topeka, KS.

Shawnee County’s extension office is in Topeka. It serves the people of Auburn, Berryton, Dover, Rossville, Silver Lake, Topeka and all the county’s rural areas. The extension office employs six agents, two office professionals and two program assistants who serve the county’s approx.178,000 residents. The county has about 201,662 acres in farms, with operations ranging from row crops to livestock production. Major crops include soybeans, corn for grain, and wheat. Livestock production is diverse, featuring cattle and calves as the leading category, along with swine, poultry, sheep, goats, and horses.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.

Licenses and certifications:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• Master’s degree.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Education, experience or interest in youth livestock programming.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

Skills and attributes:

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self‑motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish‑speaking learners.

Additional Role Information:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$47,500–$60,000

Salary Range

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant. The anticipated hiring salary range is $47,500–$60,000.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of benefits on the K‑State Employee Benefits website.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in‑person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full‑time employees and their spouse/dependents.