Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Geary County
About This Role:
Geary County is located in North Central Kansas. The current staff consists of three agents and two office professionals. The county has a population of approximately 36,000. The office is located in the county seat of Junction City. Average farm size is 728 acres with 155,000 acres of total farmland. The top three economy-contributing agricultural sectors are beef cattle ranching and farming; animal production (excluding cattle, poultry, and eggs); and grain farming. Along with farming and ranching; horticulture; lawn and garden; and working with rural, non-farm landowners will be a focus of programming in the county.
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.
- 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.
- Share responsibility for the 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources.
- 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.
- Successful extension programs require agents to:
- 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.
- 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 a Program Focus Team.
- Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
- May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for the 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.
- Serve as a member of the Geary 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, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
- 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 both 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:
- Cover Letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications)
- Resume
- Contact Information and Email addresses for three (3) professional references (include on application). References will be requested upon submission of application.
- Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)
Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2022
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.