KState: Sunflower District Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

Written by MANRRS National Office | Feb 27, 2024 7:03:17 AM

Position description:

Sunflower District consists of Cheyenne, Sherman, and Wallace counties in northwest Kansas. Three agents, three office professionals, and a multi-county agronomist serve the district’s combined population of just over 10,000 people.

Approximately 30% of the land in the district is grassland, primarily for cattle production. There are nearly 90,000 head of cow/calf and feedlot beef, which is the major livestock industry in the three-county area. Producers also raise swine, sheep, and goats.

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 topics may include but are not limited to: livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.

Sunflower District has a robust group of individuals and businesses who strongly support extension programs. Join us and help make a difference!

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 topics may include but are not limited to: livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
  - Specific subjects relevant to the district include: livestock production for cow/calf operations; farm finances and succession planning; agricultural marketing; irrigation and water management; crop residues, pests, and diseases; range management; and wildlife/habitat management.
- Oversee the Cheyenne County community 4-H clubs. This will involve adult volunteer recruitment and management, youth membership promotion, program delivery, and event management.
- Share leadership for the district’s youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources. This will include, but is not limited to, youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
- Provide support to the Sunflower District Master Gardener Program, a team of extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities.
- 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.
  - Collaborate with local partners, including agriculture-related agencies, to meet community and programming needs.
  - 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 Sunflower District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.

required 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 socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State’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.
Education, experience, or interest in livestock production.
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 qualifications:

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.

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.

For more information and to apply click here.

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