Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development – Lewis and Clark County

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27007

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Ben Hauptman

[email protected] (%[email protected])

406-544-5090

Classification Title

Working Title Extension Agent – 4-H Youth Development – Lewis and Clark County

Brief Position Overview

This position is located in Helena, Montana.

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 emphasis of the Lewis and Clark County 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent position is in the area of 4-H Youth Development. The Lewis and Clark County Extension office is staffed by an Agriculture/Horticulture Agent, Family and Consumer Science and Community Vitality Agent, and a full-time administrative professional.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes

Faculty Rank Up To Professor

Position Number 4B5329

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. Starting salaries are determined based on education and prior experience. The minimum base salary with a bachelor’s degree is $51,660, and with a master’s degree is $58,660

Contract Type MUS

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana State University ( MSU ) Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state. Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site: Extension (https://www.montana.edu/extension/) .

Located in western Montana, Lewis and Clark County is home to the capital city of Montana, Helena, and has a population of about 74,000 people. Most of the populace lives in or near Helena, with the smaller communities of Augusta and Lincoln in the northern and western parts of the county, respectively. Carroll College and Helena College offer local opportunities for advanced education. The leading source of employment is the State of Montana. In addition, Fort Harrison serves the military community with local Guard and Reserve units, and a veteran’s Hospital. Surrounded by National Forest, Hauser Dam, Canyon Ferry, and Lake Helena, Lewis and Clark County offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor activities. The Lewis and Clark County 4-H program has 405 youth members, 89 adult volunteers, and 20 organized clubs.

We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with various individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and have the ability to contribute positively to the Land Grant mission of Montana State University.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in 4-H Youth Development.

• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, Montana 4-H Center staff, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Lewis and Clark County.

• Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Lewis and Clark County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.

• Embrace a team approach to planning, developing, and implementing an effective, interdisciplinary MSU Extension program in Lewis and Clark County.

• Collaborate with Extension faculty and county staff to plan and execute county events such as Lewis and Clark County 4-H Fair and 4-H Summer Camp.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with individuals, groups, and community organizations representing a wide variety of youth and adult audiences.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Master’s degree.

• At least one degree or relevant work experience in youth development, education, or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

• Extension experience or demonstrated understanding of the Extension education model.

• Demonstrated understanding of youth and adult learning principles and their application to community-based education and outreach.

• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.

The Successful Candidate Will

• 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 Lewis and Clark County.

• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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.

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 county, 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.)

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

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 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 September 3, 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.