Kansas State seeks Horticulture Extension Agent
Posted on March 16, 2023
Position Title:
Horticulture Extension Agent
Position Summary
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.
Expected Responsibilities:
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to horticulture and small-scale farming for both consumer and commercial audiences. Programming will include but is not limited to: fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop production; small farm marketing, economics, and management; alternative cropping systems; high/low tunnels and greenhouses; horticultural waste management; small-scale farming education; and community outreach.
• Provide support to the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program. Shared projects may include community gardens, fruit and vegetable demonstration gardens, and outreach programs.
• 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 communitybased 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 the Horticulture Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Johnson County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree
• Commitment to personal and professional development
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities
• 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
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
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects
• 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
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 $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; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of our competitive benefits.
• 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.
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.
How to Apply
• Visit the K-State Research and Extension website.
• Contact Jennifer Wilson, Leader of Extension Operations via email (jrwilson@ksu.edu) or phone (785-532-5790) with questions about this position.