Extension Agent/Agriculture, Wells County

Screening will begin April 11, 2008, and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Headquarters for this position is the Wells County office of the NDSU Extension Service located in Fessenden, North Dakota.

The Extension Agent/Agriculture will work collaboratively with a team of extension and research professionals and volunteers to provide dynamic program leadership for the Wells County agriculture, 4-H youth development and community economic development & leadership program. The Agricultural program includes the disciplines of farm management/farm marketing, cropping systems, livestock systems, range management, 4-H youth development, horticulture and community economic development & leadership. An area of subject matter competency from one of the disciplines will be determined by the person’s academic background and experience. This position will be supervised by the NDSU Extension Service Northwest District Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide program leadership, interpret and integrate information and teach in the field of farm management/farm marketing, cropping systems, livestock systems, range management, 4-H youth development, horticulture and community economic development & leadership to youth and adults.
• Provide leadership, resource support and program coordination for a 4-H youth development based program with a measurable impact on enhancing life skills of youth, adults and volunteers. Developing and implementing volunteer recruitment, training and management systems. This position includes serving as county 4-H contact.
• Develop expertise in a subject matter competency area and plan, implement and deliver educational programs on a county and multicounty basis and community if interest basis.
• Conduct needs and issues identification processes that result in programs based on the needs of county citizens.
• Cooperate and collaborate with local, county and state agencies and organizations to enhance community and agriculture leadership, and community/economic development opportunities.
• Build partnerships and collaborate with local organizations, governmental units, and businesses to address issues that affect people throughout their life span.
• Collaborate with staff at North Dakota State University and throughout the NDSU Extension Service to develop interdisciplinary programs.
• Assure compliance with equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
• Participate in professional development experiences offered by the NDSU Extension Service and other entities as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Extension programming.

1. Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to the agriculture field and position responsibilities, and the academic capacity to successfully enroll in a relevant graduate program in the future.
2. Skills that demonstrate knowledge and expertise in an agriculture discipline and the understanding necessary to communicate the knowledge and application to other disciplines.
3. Program development and educational design skills to assess needs and issues and develop, deliver and evaluate comprehensive learning experiences that help diverse youth and adult audiences enhance their lives and communities.
4. Information and technology skills necessary to reach and teach diverse audiences, work and communicate effectively, manage time and resources, and enhance one’s ability to find, evaluate, and disseminate information.
5. Communication skills in listening, developing and conveying a clear concise message appropriate for the audience and for working effectively with others.
6. Organizational management skills including the ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment, work flexible and extended hours, be comfortable with extensive travel, and manage time and resources to efficiently accomplish the duties of the position.
7. Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity.
8. Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.

1. Masters degree in an agricultural discipline.
2. Recent NDSU Extension Service work experience.
3. Working knowledge of and experience with 4-H and/or other youth programs.
4. Graduate work or Master's degree in a field related to the responsibilities of this position.

Salary is competitive depending upon qualifications and experience, and county contribution. Benefits include group health, disability and life insurance; TIAA-CREF retirement plan; Worker's Compensation; annual and sick leave according to University policy; and Federal Civil Service benefits for those currently covered under the Federal CSRS system (FERS coverage cannot be transferred to the University). Information on employment benefits is available on the NDSU World Wide Web home page (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/al_index.htm).

For full consideration, individuals interested in applying should submit the following materials to the address below:

1. NDSU Extension Service application form is available by clicking the link or contacting the District Director's office, see contact information below.
2. Letter discussing how the stated qualifications are met
3. Current resume
4. Academic transcripts (photocopy acceptable)
5. Three current reference statements form is available by clicking the link or contacting the District Director's office, see contact information below.
6. List containing the names, complete mailing addresses and telephone numbers of three additional persons familiar with your professional training and/or experience

NDSU Extension Service District Director’s Office
2718 Gateway Ave. #104
Bismarck , ND 58503

tel: 701/328-9715
fax: 701/328-9721
e-mail: valerie.entringer@ndsu.edu

NDSU is an equal opportunity institution. Women and traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.