Cascade County is located in Central Montana. Great Falls, the county seat, one of the population centers in the state, and a pioneer city in Montana, is located on the Missouri River and is known as the “Electric City” due to its historical significance regarding the hydro-electric generation plants and smelter activity. The terrain of the county is primarily gently rolling plains that are dissected by the Missouri River and its numerous coulees and tributaries. The Little Belt Mountains are found in the southeastern portion of the county. Cascade County’s economic base includes agriculture, the military, education, small manufacturing, food processing, and many service industries. The majority of agricultural income is derived from livestock and crop production. According to 2017 Montana Agricultural Statistics, the county ranks twelfth in crop production, primarily grains, and eleventh in livestock production, primarily beef cattle, in Montana.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in 4-H Youth Development.
• Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Cascade County 4-H program to promote positive youth development and foster volunteer recruitment and engagement that results in a successful 4-H program across diverse audiences.
• Coordinate with and provide leadership to 4-H groups including Council, Foundation Board, Horse Leaders, Shooting Sports Leaders, Horse Leaders, Livestock Leaders, and Organizational Leaders, as well as other individuals and groups to inform educational programming and foster a robust Cascade County 4-H program.
• Collaborate with local and regional Extension staff and stakeholders to conduct continuous needs assessments in 4-H Youth Development to inform educational programming priorities in Cascade County and potential collaboration with other counties.
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with peer Extension agents, Extension specialists, county commissioners, and appropriate local individuals, groups, boards, agencies, and organizations to leverage educational programming in Cascade County.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in youth development, education, public administration, or related fields.

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

• Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess needs; and plan, implement, facilitate, teach, and evaluate educational programs for youth and adult audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and 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 youth development, education, public administration, or related fields.

• 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 in Cascade County; and will be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The successful candidate will also possess 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, and 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.

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

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:

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.

FLSA Status

Exempt