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Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26009

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dan Lucas

(406) 274-8969

[email protected]

Classification Title Extension Agent

Working Title Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Brief Position Overview

This position resides at the MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office in Polson, Montana

The primary duty for MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Faculty is to assess community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The main emphasis of the MSU Extension Flathead Reservation Irrigation Efficiency Agent position will be to provide technical assistance to irrigators and producers to more effectively use irrigation water to enhance the growth of forages, pasture, and field crops. It is anticipated that the effective development and delivery of Extension programming will generate positive economic and community development impacts. This position will have a strong partnership with the Compact Implementation Technical Team ( CITT ), the interagency advisory committee implementing the CSKT -Montana Water Compact.

The MSU Flathead Reservation Extension Office currently has two other agents working in Extension disciplines. One agent position works in family and consumer sciences, youth development, and community mental health. The second agent works in the areas of agriculture and horticulture. The office also houses two SNAP nutrition Agents.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Up to Professor

Position Number TBD

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 Bachelor’s degree is $49,580. Minimum base salary with Master’s degree is $56,580.

Contract Type LOA

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

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.

Focus of this position will entail the collaborative planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency education programming and on-farm practices. The audiences for identified emphases are tribal and non-tribal ranchers and farmers, irrigation districts, the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project ( FIIP ), and other interested parties in the area. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate educational outreach opportunities and one-on-one consultations that will increase the knowledge of irrigation systems and may lead to the application and adoption of water use efficiency practices by irrigators. Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in other Extension disciplines and assistance with MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts and the delivery of Extension’s mission at the local level.

Duties and Responsibilities

+ Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in irrigation efficiency water management and measurement, as well as soil sciences and crop production topics.

+ Collaborate with CITT for program direction and implementation.

+ Collaborate with MSU Extension faculty and staff to provide needed programs in Flathead Reservation and the surrounding area.

+ Provide leadership to local stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.

+ Engage with irrigation community by attending meetings, presenting outreach and education programming, one-on-one site visits, and through regular communication and planning materials.

+ Conduct continual needs assessments on the Reservation to inform programming efforts and priorities.

+ Investigate and communicate on farm efficiency related funding opportunities and assistance programs to the irrigation community within the Flathead Reservation.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

+ Bachelor’s Degree agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.

+ Demonstrated ability lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.

+ 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

+ Master’s degree.

+ Relevant work experience in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources or related field.

+ Extension experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.

+ Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups, create consensus and collaboratively develop constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

+ Experience working with indigenous communities.

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 Powell County.

+ 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 Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master’s degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master’s 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 driver’s 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 driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s 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 University’s 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 August 22, 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 Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.