Extension Agent - Granite County

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number FAC - VA - 27006 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Ben Hauptman

ben.hauptman@montana.edu

406-544-5090

Classification Title Working Title Extension Agent - Granite County Brief Position Overview

This position is located in Philipsburg, Montana.

The primary duty for County Extension Faculty is to assess local community needs, then to develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs. The primary emphasis of the Granite County Extension Agent position is in the areas of Agriculture, Natural Resources and 4-H Youth Development with secondary emphasis on Community Vitality and Family and Consumer Sciences. The Granite County Extension office is staffed by a full-time administrative assistant.

Faculty Tenure Track Yes Faculty Rank Up to Professor Position Number 4B3443 Department Extension Agents/Field Division Extension Appointment Type Faculty Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary MSU Extension is committed to equitable salaries. Starting salaries are determined based on education and prior experience. The minimum base salary with a bachelor's degree is $51,660, and with a master's degree is $58,660 Contract Type MUS If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana State University (MSU) Extension improves the lives of Montana citizens by providing unbiased research-based education and information that integrates learning, discovery, and engagement to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families, and communities. MSU Extension is committed to the land grant mission and engaging with communities to address locally identified and statewide needs. MSU Extension has a field faculty staff of 97 Extension Agents serving 56 counties and 7 reservations, and 45 subject matter experts located in Bozeman and other locations across the state. Program offerings include agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality programs. For additional information see the web site: Extension.

Granite County is located in west central Montana and has a population of approximately 3,500. Philipsburg is the county seat with a population of approximately 900. Other towns and communities in Granite County are Drummond, Hall, Maxville, and Georgetown Lake. The area is largely mountainous, and the Continental Divide forms the southern boundary including portals to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. The Clark Fork River crosses the northern section, while Rock Creek traverses the entire length of the county in the west. Georgetown Lake, a popular fishing spot, lies along the southeastern border. Agriculture is the largest economic activity in the Granite County and includes cattle, forage, sheep and timber. The county has a strong 4-H program with good support from volunteer leaders. The 4-H program has 72 youth members, 15 adult volunteers, and 3 organized clubs. The Tri-County Fair, shared with Powell and Deer Lodge Counties, is the highlight of the 4-H year.

We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with various individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communications skills, and have the ability to contribute positively to the Land Grant mission of Montana State University.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct community needs assessment and develop, plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate successful, research-based educational programs in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Horticulture; 4-H Youth Development; and secondarily Community Vitality and Family and Consumer Science.
• 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 Granite County.
• Provide leadership for development, planning, facilitation, and evaluation of the Granite County 4-H program to foster positive youth development and volunteer engagement.
• Will have responsibilities as the Granite County Weed Coordinator and oversee the Granite County Weed Management program in Granite County.
• Possess or obtain licenses/certifications and provide oversight of the local Private Pesticide Applicator Education Program.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in agriculture, natural resources, youth development or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
• Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership for Extension programming for youth, adults, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate 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 agriculture, natural resources, youth development, or a 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.
• Demonstrated understanding of youth and adult learning principles and their application to community-based education and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Possess excellent human relation skills.
• Work with a high level of professionalism.
• Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members.
• Demonstrate evidence of good judgment.
• Have the flexibility and innovation to respond to changing needs of people in Granite County.
• Possess the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish relationships and work with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Ultimately, the successful candidate will be relational, responsive, and reliable.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

If the successful candidate holds a Master's degree, the position will be filled as a tenure track position. If the successful candidate does not hold a Master's degree, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track position; however, upon completion of a Master's degree, they will transition to a tenure track position.

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 county, 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.

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 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 September 11, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Please note - for this position - Five (5) references have been requested.

EEO Statement

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.

FLSA Details

FLSA Determination

FLSA Status Exempt

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter addressing each of the Required and Preferred Qualifications

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).