Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Clark County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

Department: 3670035300 Ext Agents – Western Region

Job no: 514664

Employment type: Extension Agent / Educator

Location: Other

Worksite: On-site requirement

Categories: Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, Extension Agent / Educator, Animal Sciences / Livestock, Crop Production

Pay Grade: 001

About This Role:

Clark County is in Southwest Kansas and is comprised of Ashland, Minneola, and Englewood. A staff of one extension agent and one 4-H program assistant / office professional serve the county’s population of 1,977. Clark County is a progressive, family-oriented community with strong traditions and a respect for the land. Many families have resided in the community for five or six generations. Farming and ranching are the main industry, with many opportunities for community development. Clark County’s safe and friendly communities provide a great place for families to learn and grow.

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

This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming will include but is not limited to: agronomic and livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.

Primary Area of Responsibility:

Agriculture and Natural Resources programming

Location:

Office located in Ashland, KS.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

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

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming will include but is not limited to: agronomic and livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of the 4-H youth development program for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.

• Provide community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.

• Serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension’s representative and the extension board.

• Successful extension programs require agents to:

• Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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 engage clientele. 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.

• Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.

• 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 Clark County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

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.

• Familiarity with various ethnic and socio-economic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State Research and Extension’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include some nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.

• 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.

• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.

• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.

• Skills in group facilitation.

• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.

• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment

Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding, as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant. The base starting salary is $43,000 for a bachelor’s degree with no professional experience and $47,000 for a master’s degree with no professional experience.

• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; vacation and sick leave; and eligibility for health and life insurance. For a complete list of benefits see: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/.

• 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.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)

• Resume

• Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.

• Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until March 14, 2023

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Advertised: Feb 14, 2023

Application Closes: Mar 14, 2023

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/3910685

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