Agriculture And Natural Resources Extension Agent/ Mckenzie County

Position Information
Description & Details:
Transform people's lives. NDSU Extension empowers North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education. Lead dynamic Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension programs in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

• Develop, plan, deliver, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in the areas of crop management, livestock management, horticulture and forestry, natural resource management, farm business management, pesticide issues and farm and ranch safety that result in positive community impacts. Listen to clientele, build networks to assess locals needs and collaborate with communities of people.
• Reach youth and adult audiences. Be a voice in mass and social media outreach.
• Share leadership of McKenzie County 4-H program including the development of 4-H volunteers.
• Willing and able to travel and adjust to a flexible schedule (i.e., participate in evening and weekend programs).
• Direct questions to: Jim Gray, 701-877-2582, jim.gray@ndsu.edu

About Us:
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension is the link between the public and our land-grant university, NDSU, and our mission is to empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education. Extension agents are the local face of NDSU Extension and deliver educational programs to meet the needs of the people and communities in the counties we serve. We value collaboration, flexibility, autonomy, a culture of discovery and lifelong learning and are seeking individuals who are relationship-focused, community-minded and impact-driven.
More information about NDSU Extension can be found at: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension.
Location:
This position is in the NDSU Extension McKenzie County office, located in Watford City, ND. McKenzie County is located in the heart of western North Dakota and has a population of just over 14,704 people. The county is bordered by the Yellowstone River, Lake Sakakawea, the Missouri River, and the Little Missouri River. The natural resource-based economy is dependent on farming, ranching, tourism, and energy development, with landscapes ranging from rich farmland to heavy badlands. McKenzie County is home to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, offering breathtaking views and ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and photography. The county is also home to over 500,000 acres of Little Missouri National Grasslands and the Maah Daah Hey Trail. Watford City, the county's largest city and county seat, is a thriving community of just over 8,000 people. It has all of the amenities, including shopping and restaurants. Watford City is 46 miles from Williston, a regional retail hub and home to the Williston Basin International Airport. McKenzie County is the perfect fit for somebody who enjoys hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, picturesque views, and a rural lifestyle. More information on McKenzie County can be found at https://www.mckenziecounty.net/ .

Work Schedule:

• Monday through Friday
• 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (CT)
• Some weekend and evening work required

Advertised Salary:
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, animal science, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, agriculture communication; or a bachelor's degree with related agriculture experience; or a bachelor's degree with an agriculturally related master's degree.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

Basic computer skills and ability to use Microsoft office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups and through mass media.

Ability to conduct oneself professionally, be self-directed in the work environment and work flexible and extended hours.

Ability to use technology for communication, information finding, program delivery, and reporting.

Familiarity with various ethnic and socioeconomic audiences, an interest and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, crop science, production agriculture, agribusiness, education, or other related discipline.

Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.

Experience in designing and delivering educational programs.

Recent Extension work experience.

Working knowledge of and experience with 4-H and/or other youth programs.

Demonstrated experience in local cropping and farming practices, or knowledge of agriculture issues in western North Dakota.

Experience with problem solving and conflict management.

Applicant Materials Required:

• Cover letter including how you may meet any or all minimum and preferred qualifications.
• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts
• Include three professional references in application reference section
• Screening will begin 5/3/24

Benefits:
NDSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes single or family health insurance coverage with premiums paid for by the university - with an effective date for new employees the first of the month following date of hire. Other benefits include: wellness benefits, basic life insurance, retirement plan, tuition waiver, annual leave, EAP, sick leave and holiday pay. Optional benefits include: supplemental life, dental, vision, long-term care insurance, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
EO/AA Statement:
North Dakota State University is an Equal Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Diversity Statement:
NDSU strives to be a community of belonging, recognizing unique differences as strengths of our university. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that supports a community in which diverse populations and perspectives will know and learn from one another. NDSU values candidates who are committed to our core values of respect, inclusivity, community, creativity, excellence, impact, innovation, integrity, resilience, responsiveness, and transformation. Successful candidates will be committed to and help advance our strategic goal to create and maintain an open and respectful environment to promote inclusivity and diversity as a cornerstone of education, research, and outreach.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hr@ndsu.edu.