Job Description

Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26007
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Larry Brence
406-874-8236
Classification Title Extension Agent
Working Title Extension Agent - 4-H/Youth Development - Richland County
Brief Position Overview
MSU Extension seeks individuals who desire to make a difference in lives and communities. The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary emphases for this full-time position will be to provide leadership and educational programming in the discipline of 4-H/Youth Development.
The Extension Office staff in Richland County also includes full time agents who cover agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer science, and community and economic development. There is also a full time administrative assistant in the office.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up to Professor
Position Number 4B3349
Department Extension Agents/Field
Division Extension
Appointment Type Faculty
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor's degree is $49,580. Minimum base salary with Master's degree is $56,580.
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
Richland County is located in eastern Montana with North Dakota as its eastern border and the Missouri River as its northern border. The confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers is just across the border in North Dakota. As of the 2010 Census, the population of Richland County is 10,803 with the largest population center being Sidney with a population of 6,173. Due to major expansion of oil and gas activity in the area, the population of Richland County grew rapidly but has slowed in recent times due to falling energy prices. The Richland County 4-H Program currently has 226 youth members and 83 registered volunteer leaders. Primary economic engines in the county are oil and gas production and agriculture. The Montana State University Eastern Ag Research Station and USDA Ag Research Service Northern Plains Ag Research Laboratory are also located near Sidney.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and 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 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 - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * 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 - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills * 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.

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 Richland 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.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
If the successful candidate holds a Master's degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful 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.
Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. Position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.
Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.)
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
The Program
The scholarship of Extension work at MSU is defined as, "The creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good."
The Department
The College
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 25, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Please note - for this position - Five (5) references have been requested.
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 Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status Exempt
Applicant Documents
Required Documents * Resume OR Curriculum Vitae

• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional Documents

Skills Required