K-State Seeks Johnson County Extension Agent

Program Focus: Natural Resources

Location: Olathe, KS

Application Deadline: Feb 23

 

Johnson County, the most populated county in Kansas, is located in northeast Kansas within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. This position will serve as a community educator/facilitator who addresses the needs of a growing and diverse suburban county regarding natural resource management. This agent will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to natural resources and environmental stewardship. Programming may include but is not limited to: natural resources conservation

forestry

ecological education and policy

pond management

natural habitat monitoring and restoration

native plant promotion

wildlife and household pest management

and promoting interest in local flora, fauna, and waters.

 

 

Extension agents are professional educators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are administratively 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 natural resources and environmental stewardship. Programming may include but is not limited to: natural resources conservation

forestry

ecological education and policy

pond management

natural habitat monitoring and restoration

native plant promotion

wildlife and household pest management

and promoting interest in local flora, fauna, and waters.

 

2. Co-supervise a full-time program manager.

 

3. Manage the Johnson County Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) volunteer program, a corps of volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within the community. Specific EMN program responsibilities will include overseeing the approximately 161 active volunteers and the EMN advisory board

volunteer recruitment, screening, training, and leadership promotion

EMN database management

program and event promotion

publications including the EMN newsletter, social media posts, and web content

and the program’s budget/finances.

 

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 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.

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

d) Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.

e) 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, including but not limited to grant writing and administration and providing support to the Johnson County Extension Education Foundation.

 

6. Serve as a member of the Johnson County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

 

 

- Bachelor’s degree.

- Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.

- 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.

- 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.

 

 

- Master’s Degree.

- Commitment to personal and professional development.

- Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.

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

- Skills in group facilitation.

- Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.

- Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

- Leadership skills, as evidenced by working with individuals, groups, and coworkers.

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

 

- 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 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 BS degree with no professional experience and $47,000 for a MS 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. For a complete list of benefits see: www.k-state.edu/hcs/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

 

 

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.

 

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.