Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources

About This Role:

Reno County, with a population of 61,516, covers 1,254 square miles in south-central Kansas. Hutchinson is the county seat and home to Hutchinson Community College.

It is one of the largest agriculture-producing counties in the state and ranks #1 in the number of farms (1,552) and #3 in the number of acres in production (788,966). There is a growing interest in small acreage homesteading. Reno County 4-H also has a very active livestock program.

This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; small-scale farming and homesteading; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.

Primary Area of Responsibility:
Agriculture & Natural Resources programming

Location:
Office located in South Hutchinson, KS.

Position Description

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 may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; small-scale farming and homesteading; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources. This will include but is not limited to youth livestock programming.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play. Programming will strengthen the social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
• 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 & 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.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Reno County team cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

Qualifications

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 socioeconomic 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.
• 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.

Other Qualifications

• 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus opportunities

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• South Hutchinson, KS 67505: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person