Shawnee County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent

Extension agents are professional educators, community connectors and innovators who serve as a link between Kansas State University and communities across Kansas. Agents are jointly responsible to the director of KState Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming related to agriculture and natural resources. Programming may include but is not limited to: agronomy; livestock production; agricultural economics, management, and public policy; and natural resources conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Share responsibility for 4-H youth development programming related to agriculture and natural resources. This will include, but is not limited to, youth livestock and agricultural safety programs.
• Share responsibility for community vitality programming that helps our communities become better places to live, work, and play by strengthening social, civic, economic, and technological capacity through leadership development and civic engagement.
• Successful extension programs require agents to:
  
  
  
  • Identify local needs and emerging issues related to KState Research and Extension's five critical issues (water and natural resources; community vitality; health; developing tomorrow's leaders; and global food systems) by engaging with program development committees and other community organizations and professionals.
  • Design appropriate educational strategies to respond to emerging needs and engage clientele by aligning with the imperatives of the KState Next-Gen Strategic Plan. Strategies might include educational programming in a community-based setting; events and activities that provide experiential learning opportunities; use of innovative technologies; individual educational consultations; and group facilitation.
  • Collaborate with local partners to meet community and programmatic needs.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers to further the reach and impact of extension programming.
  • Develop and implement strategies to serve all community audiences.
  • Collect and communicate evidence of educational program impact.
  • Cultivate expertise in a subject matter competency area by engaging as a member of a Program Focus Team.
  
  
  
  
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Shawnee County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.

K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. Our system is designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. We are a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. We have extension offices in every Kansas county. Learn more at ksre.k-state.edu.

Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.

Shawnee County's extension office is in Topeka. It serves the people of Auburn, Berryton, Dover, Rossville, Silver Lake, Topeka and all of the county's rural areas. The extension office employs six agents, two office professionals and two program assistants who serve the county's approximately 178,000 residents. Shawnee County has about 201,662 acres in farms, with operations ranging from row crops to livestock production. Major crops include soybeans, corn for grain, and wheat. Livestock production is diverse, featuring cattle and calves as the leading category, along with swine, poultry, sheep, goats, and horses.

This agent will serve the people of Shawnee County. The Shawnee County Extension office is in Topeka, KS.

Work for this position is on site in the Shawnee County Extension office and at locations throughout the county.

This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
  
  
  
  • The degree requirement is necessary to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge and skills for the role and can credibly convey research concepts required to deliver extension services. These competencies are typically developed and validated only through a formal degree.
  
  
  
  
• Academic coursework, professional development, or prior employment related to the position responsibilities.
• Evidence of strong academic and/or professional performance, as documented by college transcripts or documented success in increasingly responsible professional positions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals, groups, and through mass media.

Licenses and certifications:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver's license.

Additional expectations:

• This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing KState's initiative for access and opportunity.
• Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Sponsorship eligibility:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education and experience:

• Two or more years of professional experience.
• Master's degree.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Education, experience or interest in youth livestock programming.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.

Skills and attributes:

• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Please submit the following documents:

• a cover letter,
• a resume,
• and a copy of academic transcripts showing degree(s) received.
  
  
  
  • An unofficial transcript is sufficient.
  
  
  
  

You will also be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three professional references.

Applications will be accepted until October 22, 2025.

• Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant.
• Extension agents are Kansas State University educators and have the Board of Regents retirement plan; eligibility for health and life insurance; and earn vacation and sick leave. See a complete list of benefits.
• Reimbursement for travel related to achieving program objectives.
• New agents will be provided with comprehensive Early Career Professional Development training throughout their onboarding period. This series will include virtual and in-person training and networking opportunities.
• Tuition assistance is available to full-time employees and their spouse/dependents.