Wildcat District EFNEP–Nutrition Extension Agent

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. EFNEP agents are jointly responsible to the director of K‑State Research and Extension (represented by a designated administrator), the local extension board, and the Kansas Extension Nutrition program coordinator.

• Manage the Wildcat District’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) efforts to prevent nutrition and activity-related chronic disease by empowering limited-resource Kansans to achieve healthy lives, improve food security, and reduce health disparities.
  • Provide primary supervision for any EFNEP nutrition assistants, SNAP-Ed nutrition educators, and student nutrition assistants employed in Wildcat District.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of research-based nutrition educational programming to support successful families and the systems that serve them. Programming may include but is not limited to: food preparation, nutrition, food safety, food resource management, household food security, and physical activity promotion. Major efforts will target limited-resource families and individuals.
• 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 K‑State Research and Extension’s five Grand Challenges (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 the Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Program Focus Team.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support educational programming.
• Serve as a member of the Wildcat District team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of district-wide programming and related events.

About Us

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.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP‑Ed) are nutrition education programs provided at no cost to Kansas families with limited resources. Our goal is to provide nutrition education to individuals and families who receive food assistance or who are eligible to receive food assistance. In addition, we promote, implement and support initiatives for Policy, System and Environmental changes to improve dietary quality, prevent obesity and increase physical activity. Both programs are sponsored by the USDA and implemented by K‑State Research and Extension.  For more information about Kansas EFNEP go to k‑state.edu/efnep.

The Wildcat District proudly serves the 98,000+ residents of Crawford, Montgomery, Labette and Wilson Counties. Our large team of 14 specialized agents, six office professionals and multiple nutrition educators is active, positive, and team-oriented. We work with community partners in all four counties and deliver research-based information related to agriculture, natural resources, youth development, family life, health, wellness, community vitality, and more.

Location and Worksite Option

This agent will serve the people of Wildcat District. The Wildcat Extension District has offices in Altamont, Fredonia, Girard, Independence and Pittsburg, KS. This agent's primary office location is negotiable.

Work for this position is on site in the agreed-upon primary 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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• 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.
• Familiarity with or interest in working with people from various backgrounds, and a commitment to supporting and enhancing K‑State’s initiative for access and opportunity.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which will include nights, weekends, and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree.
• More than two years of supervisory experience.
• Registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, Master of Public Health, or related certification.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Competence using electronic communication and computer applications to fulfill programming responsibilities.
• Experience working with limited-resource families and diverse audiences.
• Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision while balancing multiple projects.
• Understanding of educational program design, promotion, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience with volunteer recruitment, support, and management.
• Skills in group facilitation.
• Knowledge of adult and youth teaching/learning processes.
• Experience seeking and administering external grant funding.
• Ability to communicate effectively with both English and Spanish-speaking learners.

Other Requirements:

• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• Access to a personal vehicle and the ability to obtain/maintain a valid driver’s license.

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 until March 24.

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.
• 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.