Extension Agent - On Farm Irrigation - Flathead Reservation

MSU Extension seeks individuals who work professionally and effectively with communities, who foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, who exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and who can contribute positively to the people and places of Montana under the guidelines and mission of Montana State University.

Focus of this position will entail the collaborative planning and implementation of irrigation efficiency education programming and on-farm practices. The audiences for identified emphases are tribal and non-tribal ranchers and farmers, irrigation districts, the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP), and other interested parties in the area. The successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate educational outreach opportunities and one-on-one consultations that will increase the knowledge of irrigation systems and may lead to the application and adoption of water use efficiency practices by irrigators. Other responsibilities include collaboration with peers in other Extension disciplines and assistance with MSU Extension in generating positive community impacts and the delivery of Extension’s mission at the local level.

• Bachelor’s Degree agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources, or related fields.

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

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

• Master’s degree.

• Relevant work experience in agriculture, soil sciences, agronomy, natural resources or related field.

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

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups, create consensus and collaboratively develop constructive solutions to locally identified issues.

• Experience working with indigenous communities.

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 reservation, 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.

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 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.”

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Upon completion of a successful search

Screening of applications will begin on August 22, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

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.

Exempt