Extension Agent - Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

Please note - for this position - Five (5) references have been requested.

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 26009

Working Title Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 Flathead Reservation.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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 reservation, 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.)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform…