Extension agents are educators, connectors and innovators who serve as a link between K‑State and communities in Kansas. This agent will support Sunflower District residents through research-based community health and wellness education and outreach.
About This Role
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 K‑State Extension (represented by a designated administrator) and the local extension board.
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based educational programming to build healthy, sustainable communities, families, and individuals. Programming will be conducted with volunteers and extension colleagues to: strengthen families and individuals; build community capacity; promote individual and community health and wellness; and lead volunteer development.
- Assist the Sunflower District 4-H youth development agent by coordinating the Wallace County 4-H youth development program. This will entail supporting local 4-H community clubs, 4-H Council, and events for Wallace County, including the Wallace County fair.
- Share responsibility for district-wide 4-H youth development programming related to family and consumer sciences.
- Support the Wallace County Extension Master Gardener program, a team of extension-trained volunteers who provide horticultural education and service within their communities.
- Engage in 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 K‑State 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 K‑State 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.
- Provide primary oversight for the full-time office professional serving Wallace County.
- Serve as a member of the Sunflower District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.
About Us
K-State Extension connects Kansans to research-based information and education that helps individuals, families, businesses and communities thrive. It is a partnership between Kansas State University and federal, state, and county governments. Through local extension offices, K-State Extension provides practical solutions and programs in areas such as agriculture, health, youth development, and community vitality. Learn more at extension.k-state.edu.
4‑H provides school-aged youth with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives and communities. It is a research-based experience that helps kids and teens thrive through connection, learning, service and leadership opportunities. Adult volunteers, managed by their local 4‑H youth development extension agent(s), share their passions, skills and talents to empower youth to reach their full potential. Learn more about Kansas 4‑H at kansas4‑h.org.
Extension agents are Kansas State University faculty working throughout the state to serve the needs of local communities.
Sunflower District iscomprised of Wallace, Sherman, and Cheyenne counties in northwest Kansas. The district is home to Fort Hays Tech | Northwest, two hospitals, three public health clinics, and five school districts.A team of three extension agents and three specialized office professionals serve the district's 10,000 residents.This agent will collaborate with community coalitions and develop initiatives to promote community health. In addition to helping families improve their quality of life, this agent will collaborate with the district’s other agents to provide 4-H youth development programing and support local volunteers.
Location and Worksite Option
This agent will serve the people of Sunflower District. The Sunflower Extension District has offices in Goodland, Sharon Springs and St. Francis, KS.The preferred office location for this agent is in Sharon Springs, KS.
Work for this position is on site in the Wallace County Extension office and at locations throughout the district.
This position will require occasional overnight travel and is expected to host and attend events during some evenings and weekends.Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.
What You'll Need to Succeed
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.
- At least 12 credit hours of academic coursework or six months of professional experience related directly to the primary programming responsibilities (e.g., nutrition, public health, family systems).
- Demonstrated academic and/or professional achievement (minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale or evidence of progressively responsible professional roles).
- Experience delivering information, training, or education to groups or individuals, either in person or through media.
- Leadership experience in supervisory or informal roles.
Licenses and certifications
Additional expectations
- This role will require the ability to work with people from various backgrounds and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
- Extension agents work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
Education and experience
- Two or more years of professional experience.
- Master’s degree.
- Experience working with youth across multiple age groups in both formal and informal settings.
- Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
- Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
- Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
- 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.
How to Apply
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.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted untilAugust 5, 2026.
Salary, Benefits and Professional Development
- Salary commensurate with professional experience and available funding as negotiated by the regional extension director, the local extension board, and the applicant. The anticipated hiring salary range is $47,500–$70,000.
- 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 on the K-State Employee Benefits website.
- 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.