We seek individuals who work professionally and effectively with diverse individuals, foster and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills and have the ability to contribute positively to the academic success of students and the mission of Montana State University.
The primary focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate programs that will enhance the horticulture and local food systems communities of Missoula County, Montana. The person in this position will increase the local knowledge base and success of commercial horticulture and emerging agriculture enterprises and providing leadership for the Master Gardener Program. In addition, develop and organize horticulture programs and services that help the citizens grow healthier landscapes and gardens that make appropriate use of available resources, improve the quality of life, and the ecosystem. In support of these foci, the successful candidate may pursue developing extension publications, working with youth programming, seeking grant funds and conducting applied research with cooperators or at the MSU Western Agricultural Research Center. Specific programmatic priorities will be established through on-going formal and informal needs assessments of clientele and partner organization interactions. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Plant Clinic Coordinator, Missoula County Weed Educators, MSU Extension Agents serving western Montana counties, and campus-based faculty with interests in horticulture and other emerging agriculture industries.
- Assess the needs of clientele to effectively plan, implement and evaluate horticulture and small scale or specialty agriculture educational programs for youth and adults such as the Master Gardener program.
- Collaborate with other staff and community members to oversee the development and use of facility demonstration gardens.
- Assist groups and individuals in identifying entrepreneurial agriculture opportunities to improve their economic position.
- Assist and educate home and landowners in making ecologically sound landscape management decisions.
- Identify plant, insect and plant diseases and provide practical solutions.
- Assist with Private Applicator (Re)Certification Program. Must possess or be able to obtain a Government Pesticide Applicator’s License.
- Cooperate and collaborate with area Extension agents and other faculty to do effective, integrated educational programming.
- Collaborate with members of the research community on increasing the knowledge base and success of specialty crops.
- Increase the knowledge base on the economics of growing and marketing specialty crops.
- Access grant funds to strengthen horticulture program capabilities.
- Collaborate with the Plant Clinic Coordinator and other office staff in providing information to the public.
- Collaborate with County Department Head on educational programs and county budget.
- Utilize all available media sources and technologies to communicate with MSU Extension personnel and others, and to disseminate information to clientele.
- Position requires frequent night and weekend work, extensive reading, frequent travel throughout the county, occasional travel throughout the state of Montana, and travel to and from programs with adult and youth attendees.
Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Soil Science or related fields.
- Demonstrated ability to lead groups; assess community needs; and develop, organize, plan, teach, and evaluate effective programs.
- Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and provide professional development to volunteers.
- Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership to Extension programming relating to volunteers and youth.
- Demonstrated understanding of adult learning theory and its application to community-based education and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
- Master’s degree in Horticulture, Agriculture, Soil Science or related field and/or relevant work experience.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups and help them find constructive solutions to locally identified issues.
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 Missoula 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.
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 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.
To apply, visit: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/37219. Screening of applications will begin on July 25, 2023; 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_pla....