From running the local 4-H program to leading county commodity elections and teaching nutrition classes in the schools, Extension agents wear a lot of hats in their communities. But what happens when the former agent retires or moves on and leaves the county? Those programs become limited.

“We’re the local face for [the] Extension,” says Alicia Harstad, agriculture and natural resources agent in Barnes County for the North Dakota State University Extension. “We fulfill the land grant mission and make the university education accessible for all.”

While many recognize 4-H as an Extension program, there are many more things done by agents. “4-H is probably the most recognized program,” she says. “It’s easy for 4-H alumni to remember their days as a member, but beyond 4-H, there’s so much more that these educators do in their counties.”

Programs like 4-H, pesticide applicator certification training, On the Move, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Master Gardeners, Lead Local and so many more are all put on through the NDSU Extension, led locally by the county agents. Agents are able to determine specific educational needs in their communities and develop programming to meet the needs.

With county Extension agent vacancies across the state, Harstad says this outreach doesn’t happen as effectively. “You don’t get all those programs and education,” she says. “Until there is a new agent to fill a vacancy, really, that programming becomes very limited.”

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The NDSU Extension has a county-based system. “You know, in each of the 53 counties across North Dakota, there is an agent who is a local expert and is available to citizens in their area,” Harstad explains.

For those interested in any open county agent positions, Harstad says applicants should possess a bachelor’s degree and preferably a background in one of the three main areas: ag and natural resources, 4-H youth development, and family and community wellness.

“Whether they’re coming straight from college or industry, we want someone who has experience in those areas,” she explains. “But one of the great things about Extension is how many professional opportunities we offer agents. We don’t expect someone to be an expert in all of these different areas.”

These educational opportunities can open doors for those who bring a willing attitude to their counties. “If you come from a crops background like I did, you also have the opportunity to learn about important livestock production issues that matter to producers,” Harstad says.

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Applicants also should possess great people skills working in a public position, be a self-starter in their role, and be ready and willing to learn throughout their career with the Extension.

The network of NDSU is another benefit for agents, where even those in a single-agent county are able to contact mentors or agents in neighboring counties to find the answer. “I’m the only ag agent in Barnes County, but I have a network of other ag agents and state specialists I can reach out to give citizens a research-based answer,” Harstad says.

Through Harstad’s 12 years working with the Extension, she says one of the best benefits of working for the university is the ability to be self-directed. “Since you’re one person, you can’t do everything, but you pick the things that are most important in your community and how you want to make an impact,” she says. “We really are a people-first organization, and we get to do something different almost every day. It’s great to know the work you’re doing is making an impact in your community, because we live there too.”

Find open positions for the NDSU Extension at ndsu.edu/employment/joblist.