Position Function:
Responsible for providing leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive education program in agriculture and natural resources, community leadership development, and 4-H youth development. The Extension Agent serves as a member of a statewide team to determine effective programming priorities and delivery methods.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
This position is located in Raleigh, MS at the MSU Extension Smith County office.
Area of Specialization:
Agriculture and Natural Resources/4-H Youth Development
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2024.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Extension Agent will identify and organize information regarding clientele needs and assess the relevance, significance and timeliness of identified needs in the consultation with the County Extension Coordinator; develop an annual plan of work and measurable goals in collaboration with appropriate statewide priority program group and the County Extension Coordinator that adequately address identified needs, determine priorities, levels of effort and scheduling to allow attainment of program goals; implement program plan; and evaluate program content, methods and activities for program effectiveness and impact. The Extension Agent will support the County Extension Coordinator and adjacent Extension Agents in the assigned area to assure programming responds to local needs and to participate in county data reporting, including accountability reports to stakeholders; demonstrate sensitivity to key social, economic and public issues; develop excellent relationships with educational, regulatory, and service organizations whose missions are relevant to the goals of Extension; and actively participate in local and state professional and civic organizations. Agent will also be expected to work in Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Resource Development, and the 4-H Youth Development area.
The Extension Agent will support 4-H clubs in Smith County toward the achievement of increased participation and strengthened 4-H programs. The Extension Agent will identify, recruit, and train local volunteer leaders to enable them to effectively perform their duties while serving on committees, clubs and/or organizations. The Extension Agent will follow system and agency guidance to ensure participant safety in camps and programs for minors and work with others to ensure a safe environment for participants in camps/programs for minors. The Extension Agent will be expected to work in the community resource development area as it relates to 4-H. The Extension Agent will be expected to actively engage in Extension Central Region 4-H programs hosted in Smith County.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Youth Development, Family and Consumer Science, or a field of study determined by the Extension Service to be closely related, from an accredited institution of higher learning.
You will be expected to establish and maintain your permanent residence in Smith County or closely adjacent Mississippi county within six (6) months of employment unless otherwise approved by the Extension Director and the Smith County Board of Supervisors.
An offer of employment is also contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background screen.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with level of qualification.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master of Science Degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Applicants should have the ability to work within a team environment, exhibit strong self-motivation, and be task-oriented. Experience with the Microsoft Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) will be expected. The applicant must have good verbal communication skills to interact effectively with faculty, Extension staff, clientele, and the general public.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
* Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
* No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
* Occasionally will be required to lift more than 50 pounds and stand or walk for long periods of time.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Must complete online application; submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a current unofficial transcript. Please note that any social security number included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.
Screening Date:
March 18, 2024, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
