?Golden Prairie District? ?Agriculture and Natural Resources? 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources, including youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
• 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.
• 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 Golden Prairie District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-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 at extension.k-state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

Golden Prairie District is comprised of Trego, Gove, and Logan counties in northwest Kansas. The district has a combined population of approximately 9,000 residents and is home to ten rural communities and six school districts. The district’s staff consists of three agents, one 4-H program manager, and three office professionals. Golden Prairie District is home to more than 1,000 farms, with top agricultural products (by sales) being wheat, corn, and cattle/calves.

Location

This agent will serve the people of Golden Prairie District. The primary office will be in Grainfield, KS, with additional offices in Oakley and WaKeeney. Work is on-site in the Gove County Extension office and at locations throughout the district. This position requires occasional overnight travel and attendance at events during some evenings and weekends. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, community development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.
• Experience working with adults and youth from various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to design, promote, implement, and evaluate educational programs.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment and management.
• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.