Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources

*About This Role:* Cherokee County is a rural county in the southeast corner of Kansas, bordering Missouri and Oklahoma.
Despite being a rural community, there are three larger communities—Joplin, MO; Miami, OK; and Pittsburg, KS—within miles of the county’s borders.
This position will 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; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
Agriculture is the area's main industry, with grain and livestock production contributing significantly to the county’s economy.
There are approximately 750 farms in Cherokee County, with an average farm size of 400 acres.
_Primary Area of Responsibility:_ Agriculture & Natural Resources programming _Location:_ Office located in Columbus, KS.
*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 may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
* Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources.
* Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play.
Programming will strengthen the social, civic, economic, and technological capacity of communities through leadership development and civic engagement.
* 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 Cherokee County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
* May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension’s representative and the extension board.
*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 socioeconomic audiences; an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds; and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K-State'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.
* 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 * Weekends as needed Education: * Bachelor's (Required) Ability to Relocate: * Columbus, KS 66725: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person