Address
Form of work
SalaryLocated in south central Montana, Yellowstone County is Montana’s most populous county with an estimated population of over 165,000. Billings, the county seat, is the largest city within a 500 mile radius with an estimated population of 117,000 (2012) and is a major retail and wholesale trade, financial, energy, transportation and medical center. Billings also serves as a transportation hub for rail, truck, and air travel and is a major trade center for southern and eastern Montana and northern Wyoming.
Yellowstone County offers diverse educational opportunities, cuisine, arts, and culture to people throughout the region. Laurel, a town of 7,300, is located 12 miles from Billings and other communities in the County include Ballantine, Broadview, Custer, Huntley, Lockwood, Pompey’s Pillar, Shepherd and Worden. There are 58 public and private schools in the county (37 elementary, 13 middle, 10 high and 8 private) that provide excellent educational opportunities. Billings is also home to MSU-Billings, the MSU College of Technology, and Rocky Mountain College. Established in 1883 and located along the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone County is rich in history. The only remaining evidence of the Lewis & Clark expedition, Clark’s signature on Pompey’s Pillar, is located in the county. The area also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, biking, and boating. Yellowstone Park is easily accessible as well. Billings is a transportation hub with a large airport. It also has available an efficient MET Bus Transit System. Special cultural opportunities include the Yellowstone Art Museum, the Western Heritage Center, the Billings Symphony, the Alberta Bair Theater, and Zoo Montana. The medical corridor provides the most advanced healthcare services in a four-state area and is an important economic pillar in the community.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop, plan, implement, instruct, facilitate, and evaluate educational programs in the following areas.
- Urban horticulture
- Production horticulture
- Urban integrated pest management
- Agriculture for small acreage landowners
- Collaborate with other faculty in Yellowstone County and other nearby MSU Extension Offices and Research Centers.
- Provide educational programming and leadership to the Montana Master Gardener program in Yellowstone County.
- Provide program leadership by collaborating with Extension field faculty and specialists to deliver needed programs in Yellowstone County and surrounding area.
- Provide leadership to stakeholder groups in determining priority needs.
- Conduct continual needs assessments in the county and region.
- Cooperate with MSU Extension staff to develop a team approach to the planning, development and implementation of overall MSU Extension programming in Yellowstone County, which will benefit the effectiveness of the Yellowstone County office.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree or relevant work experience in horticulture, agriculture, or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective Extension programs for youth and adult audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and 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 horticulture, agriculture or 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.
The Successful Candidate Will
The successful candidate will possess excellent human relation skills; a high level of professionalism; the ability to work effectively with other staff members; evidence of good judgment; flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people inYellowstone County and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will also have a familiarity with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences, an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds, and a commitment to the principles of diversity. Dedication to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity and inclusiveness.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
This position, if filled at the Master’s degree level, will be tenure-track. A successful candidate without a Master’s degree will be required to complete their Master’s degree, in a program area relevant to their Extension position, within six (6) years of their start date. Failure to do so may result in termination.
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.
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
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 5, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
Please note – for this position – Five (5) references have been requested.
Diversity Statement
Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/dualcareer.html
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. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/index.html.
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. https://www.montana.edu/hr/recruitment-guidelines/affirmative_action_plan.html.
MSU’s Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website: https://www.montana.edu/policy/discrimination/index.html.
FLSA Details
FLSA Determination
FLSA Status
Exempt
