Position Details

　　Position Information

　　Announcement Number FAC - VA - 24028

　　For questions regarding this position, please contact:

　　Larry Brence at 406-874-8236 or [email protected]

　　Classification Title Extension Agent

　　Working Title Extension Agent - 4-H/Youth Development - Custer County

　　Brief Position Overview

　　This position resides at the MSU Custer County Extension Office in Miles City, Montana.

　　The primary duty for County (Tribal) Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary emphases for this full-time position will be to provide leadership and educational programming in the discipline of 4-H/Youth Development. The Extension Office staff in Custer County also includes full time agents who cover agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer science, and community and economic development. There is also a full time administrative assistant in the office.

　　Extension work at MSU is defined as, the creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good.

　　Faculty Tenure Track Yes

　　Faculty Rank Up to Professor

　　Position Number 4B3777

　　Department Extension Agents/Field

　　Division Extension

　　Appointment Type Faculty

　　Contract Term Fiscal Year

　　Semester

　　If other, specify From date

　　If other, specify End date

　　Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining

　　FTE 1.0

　　Benefits Eligible Eligible

　　Salary MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Beginning salaries are determined by an analysis of education and previous experience. Minimum base salary with Bachelor’s degree is $45,825. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $52,825.

　　Contract Type LOA

　　If other, please specify

　　Recruitment Type Open

　　Position Details

　　General Statement

　　We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of students and the mission of Montana State University.

　　Custer County is located in southeastern Montana and is dissected by the Yellowstone River. The Extension Office is located in the county seat, Miles City (Population 8,487), which is located at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. Custer County has a population of 11,729 with the bulk of the population located in Miles City and along the Yellowstone River corridor. The Custer County 4-H program has 205 youth members, 48 adult volunteer leaders in 8 community clubs. In addition there is an active teen council. Custer County serves as a hub for southeastern Montana activities, and as a result numerous regional Extension activities are conducted in Miles City. Miles City is a trade and banking center for southeastern Montana featuring a thriving livestock market and many other businesses that cater to the agricultural and retail needs of southeastern Montana residents. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, and boating. Miles City is also home to modern medical facilities including a modern hospital, clinics, and other services.

　　Duties and Responsibilities

　　Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs for 4-H Youth Development as determined by local community engagement.

　　Collaborate with fellow MSU Extension Custer County faculty to develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate 4-H Youth Development programs.

　　Collaborate with other faculty in Custer County and other nearby MSU Extension offices.

　　Strengthen the impact and scope of the 4-H Youth Development programs in Custer County.

　　Collaborate with other faculty in Custer County to develop and deliver educational programs in the area of Community and Economic Development.

　　Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Custer County and the surrounding area.

　　Provide leadership to stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.

　　Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.

　　Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Custer County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Custer County office.

　　Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

　　Bachelor’s Degree and relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration or related fields.

　　Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.

　　Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences.

　　Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.

　　Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.

　　Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

　　Master’s degree

　　At least one degree or relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration or related fields.

　　Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

　　Extension Experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.

　　The Successful Candidate Will

　　The successful candidate will possess excellent human relation skills; a high level of professionalism; the ability to work effectively with other staff members; evidence of good judgment; flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people inCuster County; and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will also have a familiarity with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity and inclusiveness.

　　Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

　　This position, if filled at the Master’s degree level, will be tenure-track. A successful candidate without a Master’s degree will be required to complete their Master’s degree, in a program area relevant to their Extension position, within six (6) years of their start date. Failure to do so may result in termination.

　　Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver’s license.

　　This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

　　Physical Demands

　　To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

　　The Program

　　The scholarship of Extension work at MSU is defined as, “The creation of partnerships, programs, and plans through Extension, or other community-based research, that leverage the knowledge and resources of the university and the public/private sector to enhance learning, discovery, and engagement; educate and engage citizens; strengthen communities; address locally identified issues and problems; apply and disseminate knowledge; and contribute to the public good.”

　　The Department

　　The College

　　Posting Detail Information

　　Number of Vacancies 1

　　Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

　　Position End Date (if temporary)

　　Open Date

　　Close Date

　　Applications will be:

　　Screening of applications will begin on January 5, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

　　Special Instructions

　　Please note – for this position – Five (5) references have been requested.

　　Diversity Statement

　　Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/dualcareer.html

　　In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html.

　　MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/index.html.