West Plains District Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13672651 West Plains District Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Kansas State University About This Role Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors, and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of K-State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board. - Primary leadership for 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; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; horticultural production and management; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship. - Share leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include, but is not limited to: community clubs support; out-of-school programs; school enrichment; volunteer management; and outreach to create new opportunities with existing and new community partners. - Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement. - Successful extension programs require agents to: - Identify local needs and emerging issues related to K-State Extension's five critical issues (water and 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 respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the K-State Next-Gen Strategic Plan. 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. - Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs. - Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension. - Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences. - Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact. - Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of the Natural Resources Program Focus Team - Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming. - Serve as a member of the West Plains District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events. On January 1, this position transitions to a Finney County-only agent. - May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension's representative and the extension board. About Us K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu. Extension agents are educators, connectors and innovators who serve as a link between K-State and communities in Kansas. This agent will support West Plains District residents through research-based agricultural education, outreach and initiatives. Finney County is a progressive county in southwest Kansas with a culturally diverse population of 37,000. It is the second-largest county based on land area in the state of Kansas. Garden City, located at the junction of Highways 83, 50, and 156, is a regional shopping hub for southwest Kansas and continues to grow. There are two school districts in the county - Garden City and Holcomb - as well as Garden City Community College. Worksite Description This agent will serve the people of Finney County in the West Plains District. This agent's office will be in Garden City, KS. Work for this position is On-site in Finney County and at locations throughout the district. What You'll Need to Succe