Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Sunflower District

About This Role:

Sunflower Extension District is comprised of Cheyenne, Sherman, and Wallace counties in northwest Kansas. This position is based in St. Francis, the county seat of Cheyenne County. A staff of three agents, three office professionals, and one multi-county agronomist serve the district’s combined population of just over 10,000 people. This position will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Sunflower District has a robust group of individuals and businesses who strongly support Extension programs. Come help us make a difference!

Primary Area of Responsibility:
Agriculture & Natural Resources programming

Location:
Offices in Goodland, Sharon Springs, and St. Francis, KS; primary office in St. Francis.

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 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 Cheyenne County community 4-H clubs and support youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Provide support to the Sunflower District Master Gardener Program, a team of extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities.
• 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 Sunflower District team cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-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 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.
• Education, experience, or interest in the fields of livestock production and/or horticulture.
• 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
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Saint Francis, KS 67756: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person