Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26121
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Larry Brence
406-874-8236
lbrence@montana.edu
Classification Title
Working Title Extension Agent - Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Horticulture - Richland County
Brief Position Overview
MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.
The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary focus for this full-time position will be to provide leadership and educational programming in the discipline of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Horticulture.
The Extension Office staff in Richland County also includes full-time agents in the area of 4-H and Family and Consumer Science/Community Vitality and a full-time office administrative assistant.
Faculty Tenure Track Yes
Faculty Rank Up To Professor
Position Number 4B3718
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
Richland County is located in eastern Montana with North Dakota as its eastern border and the Missouri River as its northern border. The confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers is just across the border in North Dakota. As of the 2020 Census, the population of Richland County is 11,491 with the largest population center being Sidney with a population of 7,899. Due to major expansion of oil and gas activity in the area, the population of Richland County grew rapidly but has slowed in recent times due to falling energy prices. Primary economic engines in the county are oil and gas production and agriculture. The Montana State University Eastern Ag Research Station and USDA Ag Research Service Northern Plains Ag Research Laboratory are also located near Sidney.
Duties and Responsibilities
Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture.
Collaborate with fellow MSU Extension Richland County faculty and other nearby Extension Agents to develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate 4-H Youth Development programs.
Collaborate with local stakeholders and Extension staff to continually assess needs to inform educational programming priorities in Richland County and potential collaboration with other counties and reservations.
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 Richland County.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor's Degree and relevant work experience in agriculture, natural resources, horticulture, or other related field.
Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences.
Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master's degree in natural resources, agriculture, or related field and/or relevant work experience.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
Extension Experience.
The Successful Candidate Will
Possess excellent human relation skills
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism
Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members
Show evidence of good judgment
Demonstrate flexibility and innovativeness to respond to changing need of the people of Richland County
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Be motivated and be a self-starter
Be familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences
Have an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds
Be committed to the principles of diversity and be dedicated to supporting and enhancing Montana State University's initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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.
Must possess currently or be eligible to obtain a valid State of Montana Driver's license and have an acceptable driving record (less than 12 points), or have other reliable means of transportation. Must have access to a vehicle to use for work (mileage will be reimbursed), and have minimum vehicle liability insurance. Do NOT send a copy of the driver's license.
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
Position requires frequent night and weekend work, extensive reading, frequent travel throughout the county, and occasional travel throughout the state of Montana. Position also requires using a variety of teaching methods and operating a variety of demonstration and educational equipment.
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 February 23, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
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.
