Msu Extension_fergus
Extension Agent - FCS/4-H Youth Development - Fergus and Petroleum Counties
Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26017 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Tracy Mosley at 406-223-4727 or tmosley@montana.edu Classification Title Extension Agent Working Title Extension Agent - FCS/4-H Youth Development - Fergus and Petroleum Counties Brief Position Overview This position is located in Lewistown, Montana.
The primary responsibility of County and Tribal Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The successful candidate for this position will emphasize programming in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences. Specific areas of emphasis may include food safety and nutrition, physical and mental health and wellness, and enhancing opportunities for 4-H members, families, and volunteers. The Extension office is staffed by one Agriculture and 4-H Youth Development agent, one Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H agent, one full-time 4-H Program Assistant and one full-time Office Clerk. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B3741 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 Bachelors degree is $49,580. Minimum base salary with Masters degree is $56,580. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement This position is located in Lewistown, Montana, which is the county seat for Fergus County. Located in Central Montana, Fergus County covers approximately 4,340 square miles. The county is bordered on the north by the Missouri River and on the south by the Big Snowy Mountains. The county is approximately 2.8 million acres with beef cow-calf, dryland small grain, and dryland hay being the primary agricultural production enterprises. Lewistown is the county seat with a population of 5,923. Other small towns in the county include Denton, Grass Range, Moore, Roy, and Winifred. County population, according to July 1, 2022, estimates is 11,663.
Fergus County ranks third in Montana in total market value of agricultural products sold and generates about $64 million in cash receipts in both livestock and crops annually. Approximately 113,000 acres of winter wheat, 41,000 acres of spring wheat, 39,000 acres of barley, and 171,000 acres of alfalfa hay are harvested annually and there are about 120,000 head of beef cattle and calves. Agricultural production, agri-business, and small manufacturing form the basis of the economy along with the education, medical care, and government office sectors. In the 2024-2025 4-H year, the program included 253 youth members, 47 Cloverbuds, and 72 adult volunteers in 14 organized clubs. Fergus County is a mix of three mountain ranges, an inter-mountain basin, open prairie, and the Missouri River breaks. A multitude of fishing, hunting, and recreational opportunities exist within the county and in the nearby area. Excellent schools and the Central Montana Medical Center are important aspects of this central Montana community.
The Extension agent in this full-time position will focus on providing leadership and educational programming in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences in both Fergus and Petroleum Counties. The Extension Office is staffed by one other Extension Agent (Agriculture and Natural Resources and 4-H/Youth Development), a full-time 4-H Program Assistant, and one full-time Office Clerk.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University. Duties and Responsibilities Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, as determined by local community engagement, that result in positive community impacts. Provide shared leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program. Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to conduct continuous needs assessments in Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development to inform programming priorities in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing the overall MSU Extension program in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Required Qualifications
Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Youth Development, Human Development, or related field. Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences. Preferred Qualifications
Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Masters degree. At least one degree or relevant work experience in Family and Consumer Sciences, Youth Development, Human Development, or related field. 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 Possess excellent human relation skills. Work with a high level of professionalism. Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members. Demonstrate evidence of good judgment. Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information If the successful candidate holds a Masters degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Masters degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Masters degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.
Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. Position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.
Must possess a valid drivers license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state drivers license, must obtain a valid Montana drivers license within 60 days of hire.)
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 Universitys 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 October 11, 2025; 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. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veterans Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veterans preference, please complete the veterans preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. recblid ocdtdgz7eew6fpeivxmhxygm0c9ost
Position Information Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26017 For questions regarding this position, please contact: Tracy Mosley at 406-223-4727 or tmosley@montana.edu Classification Title Extension Agent Working Title Extension Agent - FCS/4-H Youth Development - Fergus and Petroleum Counties Brief Position Overview This position is located in Lewistown, Montana.
The primary responsibility of County and Tribal Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The successful candidate for this position will emphasize programming in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences. Specific areas of emphasis may include food safety and nutrition, physical and mental health and wellness, and enhancing opportunities for 4-H members, families, and volunteers. The Extension office is staffed by one Agriculture and 4-H Youth Development agent, one Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H agent, one full-time 4-H Program Assistant and one full-time Office Clerk. Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B3741 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 Bachelors degree is $49,580. Minimum base salary with Masters degree is $56,580. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open Position Details General Statement This position is located in Lewistown, Montana, which is the county seat for Fergus County. Located in Central Montana, Fergus County covers approximately 4,340 square miles. The county is bordered on the north by the Missouri River and on the south by the Big Snowy Mountains. The county is approximately 2.8 million acres with beef cow-calf, dryland small grain, and dryland hay being the primary agricultural production enterprises. Lewistown is the county seat with a population of 5,923. Other small towns in the county include Denton, Grass Range, Moore, Roy, and Winifred. County population, according to July 1, 2022, estimates is 11,663.
Fergus County ranks third in Montana in total market value of agricultural products sold and generates about $64 million in cash receipts in both livestock and crops annually. Approximately 113,000 acres of winter wheat, 41,000 acres of spring wheat, 39,000 acres of barley, and 171,000 acres of alfalfa hay are harvested annually and there are about 120,000 head of beef cattle and calves. Agricultural production, agri-business, and small manufacturing form the basis of the economy along with the education, medical care, and government office sectors. In the 2024-2025 4-H year, the program included 253 youth members, 47 Cloverbuds, and 72 adult volunteers in 14 organized clubs. Fergus County is a mix of three mountain ranges, an inter-mountain basin, open prairie, and the Missouri River breaks. A multitude of fishing, hunting, and recreational opportunities exist within the county and in the nearby area. Excellent schools and the Central Montana Medical Center are important aspects of this central Montana community.
The Extension agent in this full-time position will focus on providing leadership and educational programming in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences in both Fergus and Petroleum Counties. The Extension Office is staffed by one other Extension Agent (Agriculture and Natural Resources and 4-H/Youth Development), a full-time 4-H Program Assistant, and one full-time Office Clerk.
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University. Duties and Responsibilities Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Sciences, as determined by local community engagement, that result in positive community impacts. Provide shared leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer recruitment and engagement toward a successful 4-H program. Collaborate with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups to conduct continuous needs assessments in Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H Youth Development to inform programming priorities in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing the overall MSU Extension program in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Required Qualifications
Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Bachelors degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, Youth Development, Human Development, or related field. Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers in family and consumer sciences and 4-H youth development. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences. Preferred Qualifications
Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills Masters degree. At least one degree or relevant work experience in Family and Consumer Sciences, Youth Development, Human Development, or related field. 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 Possess excellent human relation skills. Work with a high level of professionalism. Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members. Demonstrate evidence of good judgment. Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Fergus and Petroleum Counties. Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable. Position Special Requirements/Additional Information If the successful candidate holds a Masters degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Masters degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Masters degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.
Work hours vary and are influenced by community needs. Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, is not unusual. Position includes continuous professional development, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana.
Must possess a valid drivers license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state drivers license, must obtain a valid Montana drivers license within 60 days of hire.)
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 Universitys 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 October 11, 2025; 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. EEO Statement Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veterans Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veterans preference, please complete the veterans preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. recblid ocdtdgz7eew6fpeivxmhxygm0c9ost