Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems County Program Assistants

Title: Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems County Program Assistants (Part-time)

Positions: Two (2) positions working up to 14 hours/week - see below for location and additional details

Program Area: Extension Department of Agricultural & Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Timeframe: May-Fall 2026, exact start and end dates to be determined by workload and selected applicant availability.

Classification: Casual non-exempt, job code 0005. This is an hourly appointment

Compensation: $15-$18/an hour; depending on qualifications and experience. Work related mileage and expenses will be reimbursed.

Apply by: May 1, 2026

There is one application process for two County Program Assistant positions. Each position is unique in its location, content area, and work projects. County Program Assistants work up to 14 hours per week, with work beginning in May and continuing through the fall, end date to be determined by budget and workload. There is flexibility in the start and end dates based on the selected applicant's schedule.

Position locations are noted below. These positions will require work outdoors during summer and fall weather conditions, including in farm fields, garden plots, and on uneven terrain. Complete this required Google form to indicate position(s) of interest and qualifications to be considered for a position.

1. Hutchinson or Litchfield, MN - This ANR County Program Assistant will work directly with the Crops and Livestock Extension educators and will have specific projects in these areas for Wright, McLeod and Meeker Counties. The work projects will include event planning and execution, curriculum development related to small farms, on-farm research projects, writing educational news releases, promotional material and news release content creation, and providing technical assistance to county residents in the areas of crops and livestock. Primary office location will be Hutchinson or Litchfield. The position reports to Karen Johnson, Extension educator. This position will work up to 14 hours per week from May through approximately December 31, 2026, depending on the chosen candidate's availability.
2. Waite Park, MN - This ANR Summer Program Assistant will work with the Horticulture Extension Educator and will have specific projects in horticulture education for Stearns County. The work projects will include event planning and execution, answering horticulture questions from the general public and work with volunteer management. The primary office location will be Stearns County. The position reports to Quincy Sadowski, Extension educator. This position will work up to 14 hours per week from May through approximately October 1, 2026, depending on the selected candidate's availability.

Selection for each position will be based on candidates' qualifications and experience.

Contribute to conducting high quality, relevant educational programs by working with an Extension Educator on projects such as:

• Researching topics for curriculum development
• Adapting curriculum and marketing to reach new audiences
• Writing curriculum
• Conducting focus groups
• Creating educational pieces for the media
• Other duties as assigned

Build relationships and networks in the agricultural or natural resource fields:

• Connect directly with presenters, farmers, non-profits, agency staff, Extension educators and Extension specialists through email, mail and phone.
• Build targeted relationships with stakeholders, agencies and organizations that support work in communities.
• Support Master Gardener volunteers through various volunteer projects.

Assist with Extension program planning and development, such as:

• Plan, market and conduct educational events
• Participate in current on-farm research efforts by assisting with sampling, site visits and assessments.
• Develop, administer, and analyze a needs assessment for a specific audience
• Create engaging social media content for the county's social media accounts
• Provide technical assistance by answering the public's questions through phone, email and in person communication.

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Evidence of coursework or practical experience in the content area of focus for the positions you are interested in (i.e. horticulture, production agriculture, livestock, or natural resources)
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and Google Suite programs.
• Ability to learn additional software systems for educational use.
• An independent self-starter with the ability to be flexible and work on a variety of different tasks.
• Must complete this Google form to indicate positions of interest and qualifications to be considered for a position.

• When not in the assigned office location, county program assistants must be reachable with a mobile number at the worker's own expense.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings or weekends.
• This position will require driving to/from multiple locations for work, at times in a single workday. Must have a valid driver's license, applicable insurance, and a reliable personal vehicle.
• Must be able to sit/stand for long periods of time and lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds and push/pull 50 pounds occasionally.
• The position will require work outdoors during summer and fall weather conditions, including in farm fields, garden plots, and on uneven terrain.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

• A semester of post-secondary class experience in a major program related to agriculture such as: agribusiness, agricultural education, agricultural communications, animal science, biological sciences, horticultural science, agronomy, natural resources, or related field.
• Experience creating posts for social media.
• Customer service experience.

University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension's programming and employee engagement. Find further information on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $15 - $18/an hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.

Please submit the following required application steps:

1. Upload your Resume that includes all your education and experience as it relates to the required qualifications.
2. Complete the required Google form to indicate position(s) of interest and qualifications to be considered for a position.

Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. See full application instructions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.