Kansas State seeks Horticulture Extension Agent
Posted on March 24, 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. Programming will include but is not limited to: horticultural crop production, marketing, and economics; horticultural waste management; landscape maintenance and improvement; and conservation of natural resources.
• Coordinate the Meadowlark District’s growing Extension Master Gardener program, a team of extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities.
• Support collaborative efforts with the Prairie Band Tribal Nation and other tribal communities and coalitions through horticultural programming, partnerships, and outreach.
• 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 the Horticulture Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Meadowlark District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-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.
• 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 Englishspeaking and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) audiences.
• Understanding of or experience with Native American/Indigenous communities and tribal programs.
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.
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 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
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must reside in Jackson, Jefferson, or Nemaha County throughout the period 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.