K-State Seeks Extension Agent (Grant Co.)
Posted on July 21, 2022
Position Title:
Grant Co. Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent
Position Summary:
Primary Area of Responsibility: Agriculture and Natural Resources programming
Location: Office located in Ulysses, KS
Application Deadline: August 17, 2022
Grant County is a family-oriented, friendly community located in the High Plains Region in the southwestern corner of Kansas. The county is 24 square miles with a population of 7,336. Its western edge is 28 miles from the Colorado state line, and its southern edge is 27 miles from the Oklahoma border. There is one town located in the county, Ulysses, with one school district, USD 214. Grant County Extension employs a Family & Community Wellness Extension Agent, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, an Office Professional, and summer interns.
Extension agents are community based faculty of Kansas State University who make a difference by connecting community needs with university resources. Agents are administratively responsible to the local extension director 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 will include but is not limited to: agronomic and livestock production
agricultural economics, management, and public policy
horticultural production and management
and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
Duties/ Responsibilities:
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 agriculture and natural resources. Programming will include but is not limited to: agronomic and livestock production
agricultural economics, management, and public policy
horticultural production and management
and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
2. Share leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support
out-of-school programs
school enrichment
volunteer management
and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
3. Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
4. Programming will include these steps:
a) Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (water & 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.
6. 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.
7. Serve as a member of the Grant County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
What You'll Need to Succeed:
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.
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.
- 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
Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:
- 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
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents:
a) Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
Resume
b) Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
c) Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)
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.