Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, Riley County

About the Role:

Riley County is in the Flint Hills of northeast Kansas and has a population of 72,000. The county includes the rural communities of Ogden, Riley, Leonardville, Randolph and Zeandale, with Manhattan as the county seat. 

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; farm management; agricultural economics and public policy; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship. 

Half of the agricultural land base is in crop production, with 44% in pasture and rangeland. Soybeans are the number one cash crop, followed by hay/forage production, and corn. Cattle and calves are the largest livestock enterprise in the county, with just over 29,000 head.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

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; farm management; agricultural economics and public policy; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship. 
  • Specific programming opportunities will include public field demonstrations, Hazardous Occupational Training (aka, Tractor Safety), and county fair activities.
• Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources. This will include, but is not limited to, youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve diverse audiences and to ensure K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider of educational programming.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • 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 Riley County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events, as well as volunteer management.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

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 Requirements:

• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Salary, Benefits, and Professional Development:

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board and the applicant. The base starting salary is $45,000 for a BS degree with no professional experience and $49,000 for a MS degree with no professional experience.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan, health and life insurance and vacation and sick leave. For a complete list of benefits see: http://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits/overview/
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include both virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents

How to Apply:

Please submit the following:

• Cover letter (detailing experiences related to responsibilities and qualifications).
• Resume.
• Contact information and email addresses for three professional references.
• Copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received. (For applicants still in college, a list of courses from the college/university website is acceptable.)

Applications will be accepted until March 28,  2024.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.