Extension Agent, Agriculture & Natural Resources/Stutsman County

Position Information

Description & Details:

The Extension agent will work collaboratively with a team of Extension, research professionals, county residents and leaders to provide exceptional education, collaboration and facilitation for the agricultural and natural resources and 4-H youth development programs in Stutsman County.

This is a full-time position serving Stutsman County. This position is based in the NDSU Extension-Stutsman County office located in Jamestown, ND. Supervision is provided by the Extension district director serving Stutsman County.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Educate

• Develop and enhance an effective agricultural and natural resource program that supports the growth and development of sustainable land and communities. Programming includes horticulture, agronomy/cropping systems, farm business management/crop marketing, livestock production/management , and 4-H youth development for adult and youth audiences.

• Successful Extension programs require agents to:

• Conduct needs assessment and issue identification that result in programs based on the needs of county residents.
• Interpret and integrate pertinent research information into educational programs.
• Develop expertise in subject matter competency area(s).
• Plan, implement, deliver and evaluate educational programs.
• Market and share impact of programming through mass and social media.

• Provide education and co-leadership in major county programs in 4-H and respective agriculture and natural resources program 4-H areas, in collaboration with the office team.
• Provide community and economic development programming related to the agricultural and natural resources programming in Stutsman County.

Collaborate and Facilitate

• Develop strong working relationships with local Extension staff, state specialists, community leaders, media, agricultural related industry, locally based federal and state agricultural partners, and county fair or achievement day committees/boards to enhance agriculture and natural resources programming and 4-H youth development opportunities.
• Collaborate with local teams to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate the 4-H youth development program and ensure a safe, supportive environment for youth and volunteers.
• Assist with multicounty, regional and state activities in the agricultural and natural resources and 4-H youth development program areas.

Other

• Ensure compliance with federal, tribal, state, and local law, policies and procedures, including Civil Rights, youth protection and NDSU Human Resources.
• 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 occasional travel outside the county is required.
• Overnight trips are required on occasion for meetings , 4-H youth development activities and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Extension programming.

Behavioral expectations include:

• Represents NDSU Extension in a manner that reflects well on yourself, other Extension employees and Extension as a whole.
• Works ethically, with integrity, and respects confidentiality.
• Contributes to an environment of cooperative, supportive and positive working relationships with co-workers and clientele.
• Resolves differences constructively. Uses tact and courtesy at all times.
• Uses effective time management.
• Exhibit positive attitude, image, personal motivation and professionalism.

Work Schedule:

Monday - Friday

8:00 - 5:00

Some evening and weekend work required.

Advertised Salary:

Commensurate with qualification and experience

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, animal science, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture communication, or a bachelor's degree with related agriculture experience, or a bachelor's degree with an agriculturally related master's degree.

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 communicate effectively, both 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.

Ability to use technology for communication, information finding, program delivery, and reporting.

Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, education, or other related discipline.

Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.

Experience in designing and delivering educational programs.

Recent Extension work experience.

Working knowledge of and experience with 4-H and/or other youth programs.

Demonstrated experience in local cropping and farming practices, or knowledge of agriculture issues in central North Dakota.

Demonstrated regional experience in horticulture and forestry.

Experience with problem solving and conflict management.

Applicant Materials Required:

1. Resume

2. Cover letter including how you meet any or all minimum and preferred qualifications

3. Unofficial transcripts

4. Include 3 professional references in reference section of application form

Screening will begin 8/29/22

Benefits:

NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include, wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

About Us:

North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. Our main campus is located in Fargo, ND with Extension Service and Research Experiment Station locations across the state.

NDSU is the best college in ND, according to Money Magazine (September 2018). NDSU was named a 2019 Best Value College by Forbes. Fargo made Livability.com's top 10 list of cities to find a job and ranked at #11 for best places to live overall.

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.

Reasonable Accommodation Information

North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu .

Land Acknowledgement

We collectively acknowledge that NDSU, a land grant institution, on the traditional lands of the Oceti Sakowin (Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda) and Anishinaabe Peoples in addition to many diverse Indigenous Peoples still connected to these lands. We honor with gratitude Mother Earth and the Indigenous Peoples who have walked with her throughout generations. We will continue to learn how to live in unity with Mother Earth and build strong, mutually beneficial, trusting relationships with Indigenous Peoples of our region. (see www.ndsu.edu/inclusioncouncil/native_american_initiatives/ ).