Extension Agent - Community Development and Economic Development - Custer County Job at Montana State University

Montana State University Bozeman, MT

The primary focus of this position is to plan, implement and evaluate programs that will enhance the economic, community, and leadership capacities of the communities of Custer County, Montana. The person in this position will work toward enhancing economic and community vitality; help existing businesses become more successful; support businesses considering locating in Custer County; assist entrepreneurs considering new business opportunities; evaluate and assess public policy and other issues that impact economic and community vitality; and explore and implement efforts that will benefit the economic stability of all residents. To accomplish these goals, synergistic partnerships will be developed with communities; government agencies, boards, and committees; citizen-led groups and private organizations; and economic development-related groups inside and outside Custer County.

Custer County is located in southeastern Montana and is dissected by the Yellowstone River. The Extension Office is located in the county seat, Miles City (Population 8,487), which is located at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers. Custer County has a population of 11,729 with the bulk of the population located in Miles City and along the Yellowstone River corridor. Miles City is a trade and banking center for southeastern Montana featuring a thriving livestock market and many other businesses that cater to the agricultural and retail needs of southeastern Montana residents. Recreational opportunities include hunting, fishing, and boating. Miles City is also home to modern medical facilities including a modern hospital, clinics, and other services.

Duties and Responsibilities
Plan, implement, and evaluate economic and community development programs, through a local, needs-driven process.
Provide small business counseling to entrepreneurs for start-up, retention, relocation, and expansion.
Develop collaborative partnerships with individuals, organizations, and local government entities to improve the economic vitality of Custer County and the city of Miles City.
Work closely with formal and informal advisors to identify economic, community and educational needs for programming opportunities in Custer County.
Partner with individuals, organizations, and local government entities external to Custer County to provide mutually beneficial programming.
Develop funding for community and economic development projects through partnerships, grants, and other strategies.
Partner with local, state, and national organizations and committees appropriate to the clientele of Custer County.
Partner and collaborate with area Extension agents and specialists to conduct effective, integrated educational programming focusing on economic and community development activities.
Utilize all available media sources and technologies to communicate with MSU Extension service staff and others, and to disseminate information to clientele.
Assure compliance with civil rights and affirmative action policies.
Comply with all Extension, federal, state, university, and county reporting requirements

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Bachelor’s degree in economic development, community development, or other related fields.
Demonstrated understanding of community and economic development principles and practices.
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 community development, community development 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
Possess excellent human relation skills
Demonstrate a high level of professionalism
Possess the ability to work effectively with other staff members
Show evidence of good judgment
Demonstrate flexibility and innovativeness to respond to changing needs of the people of Custer County
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
Be motivated and be a self-starter
Be familiar with multi-cultural and different socioeconomic audiences
Have an interest in working with people from diverse backgrounds
Be committed to the principles of diversity and be dedicated to supporting and enhancing Montana State University’s initiative for diversity, equity, and inclusion

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 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.

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.”

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

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 May 22, 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/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 Details
FLSA Determination

FLSA Status Exempt


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