Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources/ Slope County

North Dakota University System • Amidon, ND

43d • Onsite

About The Position

Transform people's lives. NDSU Extension empowers North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education. Lead dynamic agriculture and natural resources Extension programs in Slope County, North Dakota. Develop, plan, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in the areas of crop management, livestock management, horticulture, forestry, natural resource management, farm business management, pesticide issues, and farm and ranch safety that result in positive community impacts. Listen to clientele, build networks to assess local needs and collaborate with communities of people. Reach youth and adult audiences. Be a voice in mass and social media outreach. Provide leadership of Slope County 4-H program, including the development of 4-H volunteers. Willing and able to travel and adjust to a flexible schedule (i.e., participate in evening and weekend programs). Direct questions to: Jim Gray, 701-877-2582, [email protected]. About Us: North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is the link between the public and our land-grant university, NDSU, and our mission is to empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education. Extension agents are the local face of NDSU Extension and deliver educational programs to meet the needs of the people and communities in the counties we serve. We value collaboration, flexibility, autonomy, and a culture of discovery and lifelong learning. We are seeking individuals who are relationship-focused and interested in making a positive impact to local communities by providing research-based knowledge and resources to help people thrive. We pride ourselves in an organizational culture where employees are trusted, respected, supported and valued. More information about NDSU Extension can be found at: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension. Location: This position is based in the NDSU Extension - Slope County office, located in Amidon, North Dakota. Amidon sits along U.S. Highway 85, approximately 31 miles north of Bowman, the nearest community offering a variety of lodging, dining, retail, and health services. It is also the closest city to White Butte, the highest point in North Dakota. Amidon is within driving distance of Dickinson, home to the Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport. The region offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for avid sports enthusiasts, including all-season hunting, which features some of the best pheasant hunting in the state, as well as excellent fishing on nearby rivers and lakes. Situated on the edge of the Badlands, Slope County is bordered by the Little Missouri River along its western and northern edges, providing abundant hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Amidon is also within a day's drive of the Black Hills, the National Grasslands, ski areas in nearby Montana, Mount Rushmore, the historic gaming town of Deadwood, and even Yellowstone National Park.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, animal science, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture communication; or a bachelor's degree with related agriculture experience; or a bachelor's degree with an agriculturally related master's degree.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.
• Ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment and work flexible and extended hours.
• Ability to use technology for communication, information finding, program delivery, and reporting.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, education, or other related discipline.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Experience in designing and delivering educational programs.
• Recent Extension work experience.
• Working knowledge of and experience with 4-H and/or other youth programs.
• Demonstrated experience in local cropping and farming practices, or knowledge of agriculture issues in south west North Dakota.
• Experience with problem-solving and conflict management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in the areas of crop management, livestock management, horticulture, forestry, natural resource management, farm business management, pesticide issues, and farm and ranch safety that result in positive community impacts.
• Listen to clientele, build networks to assess local needs and collaborate with communities of people.
• Reach youth and adult audiences.
• Be a voice in mass and social media outreach.
• Provide leadership of Slope County 4-H program, including the development of 4-H volunteers.
• Willing and able to travel and adjust to a flexible schedule (i.e., participate in evening and weekend programs).

Benefits

• Health Insurance coverage with 100% of the premium paid for by NDSU for Single or Family Plan. Options for a PPO/Basic Plan or High Deductible Health Plan with Health Savings Account. Benefits begin the first of the month following date of hire. Wellness benefits are included for healthy lifestyle participation.
• Superb Retirement Plan - Employer Contributions range from 7.5% - 12.26% based on position
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Tuition Waivers for Employee (three classes per calendar year)
• Tuitions Waivers for Spouse/Partner & Dependents (eligible for 50% waiver)
• Paid Leave - including annual leave (some positions accrue up to 24 days per year), 12 days per year of sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional benefits include: Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-term care insurance, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care) and Supplemental Retirement Plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees