Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Cowley County
Position Overview
Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Cowley County (population of 34,453) has an abundance of new audiences and established supporters to make Extension education and outreach exciting and rewarding. Existing staff were recognized in 2023 as the Outstanding Local Unit for K-State Research and Extension. This agent will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy;livestock production;agricultural economics, management, and public policy;horticultural production and management;and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship. Our community is ready to help a new team member establish livestock, agronomy and horticulture relationships. The 2022 US Census of Agriculture reports 879 farms in Cowley County — 409 have livestock and 656 have cropland.
Responsibilities
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 Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
1. Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy;livestock production;agricultural economics, management, and public policy;horticultural production and management;and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
2. Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources. This will include, but is not limited to, youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
3. 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.
4. Successful extension programs require agents to:
a) 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.
b) 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.
c) Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programming needs.
d) Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
e) Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
f) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
g) Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
5. Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
6. Serve as a member of the Cowley County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
8. May periodically be assigned to 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.
Qualifications
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’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. • Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings. • 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.
Preferred Level of Education
Minimum: Bachelors Degree;Preferred: Master's Degree
Benefits Offered
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: www.k-state.edu/hr/benefits.
Compensation/Salary
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 $46,000 for a bachelor’s degree with no professional experience and $50,000 for a master’s degree with no professional experience.
How to Apply
Apply on the K-State Careers webpage for Job #518064. You will be asked to provide: • A cover letter. • A resume. • Contact information for three professional references. • A copy of your academic transcript(s).
Application deadline: September 18, 2024
About K-State Research and Extension
K-State Research and Extension improves Kansans' lives, livelihoods and communities through education, research, engagement and leadership. We are a network of dedicated extension specialists, agents, researchers and volunteers who partner with Kansans to help solve problems. We understand key issues, because we are close to them. With scientists, educators and volunteers in each of the state's 105 counties, our professionals strive to make the university's research and scientific accomplishments accessible and relevant to every household.
Learn more about K-State Research and Extension
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.