Extension Agent, Family and Community Wellness/Nelson and Steele Counties

Position Description:
The Extension agent will work collaboratively with a team of Extension, research professionals, county residents and leaders to provide education, collaboration and facilitation for the Family and Community Wellness and 4-H Youth Development programs in Nelson and Steele Counties. Supervision is provided by the Extension district director serving Nelson and Steele Counties.

This is an 80% position serving Nelson and Steele Counties. When appropriate, this position also will program cooperatively with other neighboring counties and for statewide needs. This position is based in NDSU Extension's Nelson and Steele County offices, located in Lakota, N.D., and Finley, N.D., respectively. Work is required in both counties weekly.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Educate
• Develop and enhance an effective Family and Community Wellness program that supports the growth and development of healthy, sustainable communities, families and individuals. Programming may include adult development and aging, family and community health, wellness and nutrition.
• Collaborate as a local team to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate the 4-H Youth Development program in Nelson and Steele Counties.
• Successful Extension programs require you to:
o Conduct needs assessment and issues identification that result in programs based on the needs of county citizens.
o Interpret and integrate pertinent research information into educational programs.
o Develop expertise in a subject matter competency area, and plan, implement and deliver educational programs on a county and/or community-of-interest basis.
o Evaluate and market the impact of the educational programs delivered.
• Cultivate a strong relationship with multiple media outlets to market programs and share impacts.
• Participate in professional development experiences offered by NDSU Extension and other entities as appropriate.
• Provide educational leadership and assistance in multicounty, regional and state activities in Family and Community Wellness and 4-H Youth Development.

Collaborate and Facilitate
• Develop strong working relationships with local Extension staff, state specialists, county fair committees/boards, local schools, community leaders and agencies to enhance Family and Community Wellness programming and 4-H Youth Development.
• Utilize stakeholder input to formulate program plans to address issues that affect people throughout their life span.
• Be an effective relationship-builder with community members, program partners, office team and local decision makers (commissioners, legislators, SBARE members, etc.)
• Collaborate with the local office team to ensure high-quality 4-H Youth Development programming and a safe, supportive environment for youth and volunteers.
• Collaborate with NDSU professionals to develop interdisciplinary programs, some of which will be delivered on a community-of-interest or program team basis.

Other
• Ensure compliance with equal opportunity policies.
• Be an active learner to keep relevant with new teaching strategies, advances in the professional field, technology, news and related research.
• Be self-directed with minimal supervision in the work environment.
• Some weekend and evening work is required.
• Travel within the county and district and occasional travel outside the district is required.
• Overnight trips also will be required on occasion for meetings, 4-H Youth Development activities and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Extension programming.
• Fulfill all duties and expectations of assigned county coordinator within your county office.

Behavioral expectations include:
• Work ethically, with integrity, and respect confidentiality.
• Contribute to an environment of cooperative, supportive and positive working relationships with co-workers and clientele.
• Resolve differences constructively. Use tact and courtesy at all times.
• Exhibit positive attitude, image and personal motivation at all times. Be an engaged professional.
• Use effective time management.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in youth development, human development, family and consumer sciences, education, health and nutrition, gerontology or related field for position with the academic capacity to enroll successfully in a relevant graduate program in the future
• The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders
• Basic computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to use technology for communication, information finding, program delivery and reporting
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment and work flexible and extended hours
• Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Qualifications:
• Master's degree in education, youth/human development, family and consumer sciences, health and nutrition field or other closely related field
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers
• Experience in designing and delivering educational programs
• Experience with problem solving and conflict management
• Experience disseminating information through social and mass media
• Recent Extension work experience
• Working knowledge of and experience with 4-H and/or other youth programs

Open Until Filled: Yes
Search Type: Internal/External Simultaneously: Open to all applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Screening will begin October 4, 2019 and continue until the position is filled.

No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. • 23-12-10.

EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable

Veteran's Preference Notice: This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Location (City, State): County Extension office in either Lakota, ND or Finley, ND

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you now or will you in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status)?
   • No
   • Yes
2. Are you a North Dakota resident?
   • Yes
   • No
3. Do you qualify for North Dakota veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No
4. If yes, list exact dates of service:
   (Open Ended Question)
   
5. Do you qualify for North Dakota disabled veteran's preference?
   • Yes
   • No
6. * How did you hear about this position?
   • Academic Department
   • Bismarck Tribune
   • CareerFargo.com
   • Chronicle of Higher Education
   • Fargo Forum
   • JobsHQ
   • Friend/Co-worker/Family member
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • Indeed.com
   • Job Service of North Dakota
   • NDSU Employee
   • NDSU Website
   • Other newspaper (Please specify below)
   • Professional Publication/Organization Website
   • University Placement Office
   • Inside Higher Education
   • Other (Please specify below)
7. If Other, please specify:
   (Open Ended Question)
   
8. * Do you have a valid driver's license?
   • Yes
   • No
9. * Do you have a bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the responsibilities of this position with the academic capacity to enroll in a relevant graduate program in the future?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Unofficial Transcript 1

Optional Documents

1. Other Document 1
2. Veterans Preference Claim Form (DD214)
3. Veterans Administration Letter
4. Unofficial Transcript 2
5. Other Document 2