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 related to family and consumer sciences. Programming may include but is not limited to: family life, nutrition, food safety, parenting, childcare, aging, communication, financial management, leadership, and health.
- Share leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the 4-H youth development programs for school-aged youth in cooperation with volunteers and extension colleagues. Programming will include but is not limited to: community clubs support, out-of-school programs, school enrichment, volunteer management, and outreach to create new program opportunities with existing and new community partners.
- 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.
- Serve as a member of the Sumner County team, cooperating in the planning and delivery of county-wide programming and related events.
- Provide primary oversight for the county’s full-time office professional.
- May periodically be assigned to serve as the local unit director providing administrative oversight for fiscal operations; coordination of personnel; the development, delivery, and reporting of program impact; and other administrative functions assigned by the director for extension’s representative and the extension board.
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.
Sumner County is located in south-central Kansas along I-35. It is a rural county with a population of approx. 22,000. Its primary industries are agriculture, aviation, manufacturing, and local businesses.
This agent will serve the people of Sumner County. The Sumner County Extension office is in Wellington, KS.
Work for this position is on site in the Sumner 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. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence related to achieving program objectives will be provided.
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., health, finance, family systems, human development).
- 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
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.
- 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 August 12, 2026.
Interviews will be held on August 26, 2026; selected candidates will be notified by August 21, 2026.
- 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 $46,000–$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.
