Butler County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K-State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

About the role

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to family and consumer sciences. Programming may include but is not limited to: family life, nutrition, food safety, parenting, communication, financial management, leadership, and health.

Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.

Successful extension programs require agents to:

• Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Extension's five critical issues (water and 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.
• Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan.
• 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.
• Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
• Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
• Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
• 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 Butler County Extension team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

About us

K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more.

Butler County is in south central Kansas. It is geographically the largest Kansas county, with an area of 1,483 mi² and population of approximately 69,158. El Dorado is the county seat; other larger incorporated cities include Augusta, Andover, Benton and Rose Hill. El Dorado is located within 30 miles of Wichita and is in the Flint Hills grasslands. This location provides the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of recreational and social activities. The county's family and consumer sciences programming centers on community wellness, with a special focus on health and nutrition education and meeting community needs.

Worksite

This agent will serve the people of Butler County. The primary office will be in El Dorado, KS. This position is on-site and requires occasional overnight travel. The agent is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., health, nutrition, finance, family systems).
• Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or evidence of progressively responsible professional roles).
• Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.
• Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.