Cooperative Extension Service Workers provide educational services in the areas of agricultural marketing, natural resources, public policy, 4-H youth, and family living to both urban and rural communities.

JOB DUTIES 

Cooperative Extension Service Workers may:

Collect, analyze, and evaluate data

Organize and conduct extension programs

Work with local people in planning and carrying out activities

Prepare activity and program records

Provide current information and opportunities for learning through mass media, group meetings, and demonstrations

Recruit and train volunteer leaders

Study local problems and needs with volunteer leaders

Use educational techniques to help people acquire knowledge

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Co-op Extension Service Workers may specialize in these areas:

096.127-010 COUNTY-AGRICULTURAL AGENTS work with people engaged in the production, processing, and distribution of agricultural products.

096.127-022 4-H CLUB AGENTS identify, recruit, and assist volunteer leaders to teach and advise youth. They help local leaders shape youth programs which develop leadership, responsibility, and productivity. These Workers are also known as county 4-H youth agents.

096.127-014 EXTENSION SERVICE SPECIALISTS assist Agents in interpreting research results useful to people in a particular area. They frequently conduct research and demonstration projects in their specialty. They might also train extension agents, make studies of industry situations, and support county and statewide programs with teaching aids.

096.121-010 COUNTY HOME-DEMONSTRATION AGENTS develop and conduct programs in such subjects as nutrition, clothing, home management, and child care for individuals in rural communities to improve farm and family life.

096.121-014 HOME ECONOMISTS develop, organize, and conduct consumer education or research programs. They advise consumers in the selection and use of household equipment, food, and clothing, as well as in areas such as budget planning, meal preparation, energy conservation, health care, and child development.

096.127-018 FEED AND FARM MANAGEMENT ADVISORS give instructions in modern and scientific feed and farm management techniques to farmers and other retail grain and feed-store customers. Extension Workers may also specialize in developing natural resources to their fullest potential or in marketing and farm supply systems. Some also educate individuals on current issues and public policy.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The director of extension is in charge of all extension programs, personnel, finances, and operations. Cooperative Extension Service Agents are supervised by an assistant director who coordinates their particular program area: agriculture-marketing, natural resources and public policy, 4-H youth, and family living education. Program areas also have leaders who assist each assistant director in providing statewide leadership to extension programs. Regional supervisory teams are responsible for directing all extension personnel in their assigned geographical area. Agents are assigned on a county, multi-county, area, or district basis.

Workers perform their duties both indoors and outdoors depending on the nature of the particular task. Specialists maintain their offices on university campuses and report to the extension administration through their respective department chairperson. Some Specialists are located in regional offices.

Working schedules vary with the type of job being performed. Consulting professors serving as Extension Service Specialists may devote only a portion of their time to cooperative extension service work. Most Specialists usually spend their time in an office or classroom and may work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Some spend a lot of time in the field and at meetings days and evenings. Other Extension Workers spend time both in the field and in an office or lab. During planting and harvesting seasons, Agricultural Agents may do considerable traveling from farm to farm and to other locations where their services are required. Extension Workers may often have weekend and evening work in order to conduct group meetings and to give demonstrations.

They may belong to associations such as, the Association of County Agricultural Agents, the Association of 4-H Youth Agents, or the association of Extension Home Economists. Members must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities which involve business contact with people

• Activities involving communication of information to people

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities involving direct personal contact to help people

• Activities which involve dealing with and solving problems

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason logically, using step-by-step procedures

• Plan, organize, and direct an entire project or activity

• Communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

• Evaluate information and make decisions using your own judgment

• Work well with other people

• Influence and lead people

• Perform a variety of duties which may change often

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If you are teaching students that are sitting in 5 rows and each row contains 6 students, how many students are in your class?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

In an industrial process, some of the heat produced is used and the remainder is then released as additional refuse into the atmosphere or into the water that is used as a coolant.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining the progress of your students to your supervisors.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide the best way to interest a student that seems to lack an ability to concentrate.

To get a job as a Cooperative Extension Service Worker, you must have a bachelor's degree in agriculture, home economics, sociology, natural resources, economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Extension Service Specialists (including consulting professors) have advanced degrees.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: An Associate Degree (two years of study beyond High School) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School)or A Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript :

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1100 ECONOMICS , 1500 FOODS & NUTRITION , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

008 AGRICULTURE

Programs in Agriculture provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment in food, livestock, and plant production. Program specializations include agronomy, soil science, animal science, dairy science, poultry science, horticulture, agricultural economics, plant science, farm management, and agricultural business. Individuals who teach agriculture at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within programs will vary but may include:

078 HOME ECONOMICS

Programs in Home Economics provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills in such areas as general home economics, consumer economics and home management, home decoration and equipment, clothing and textiles, Family relations and child development, foods and nutrition, institution administration, child care and guidance, and geriatric care. Individuals who teach Home Economics at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Students may belong to a 4-H Club or high school vocational student organizations. Postsecondary education programs in agriculture or home economics, with co-op or internship opportunities, may also provide experience.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Cooperative Extension Service Worker employer

internships

volunteer work with a Cooperative Extension Service Worker employer

community service work with an agency

Application for employment should be made directly to the Michigan State University Extension Service. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

  Michigan Talent Bank

   Michigan Jobs & Career Portal

   Yahoo! Careers

  MONSTER.COM

  FlipDog.com

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Salaries of Extension Service Workers vary among states and counties. Earnings are based on the individual's qualifications and experience and are competitive with similar jobs in industry and government.

Nationally, in mid 2000, Cooperative Extension Service agents had earnings comparable to Workers in the state of Michigan. Those employed by the Federal Government had salaries ranging from $21,370 (GS-5) to $34,408 (GS-7) with a bachelor's degree; $26,470 (GS-7) to $42,091 (GS-9) with a master's degree; and $32,380 (GS-9) to $50,932 (GS-11) with a Ph.D. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

In Michigan, the minimum annual salary of Cooperative Extension Service Agents with a bachelor's degree was $27,000 in mid 1999. Those who had a master's degree started at a minimum of $30,000. The agent's job titles may be County-Agricultural Agent, county Home-Economist, or 4-H youth agent. Extension Service specialists (includes consulting professors) have a Ph.D. and started at a minimum salary of $31,000. Maximum salaries for these positions depend upon the worker's experience and the type of funding for the particular program.

Cooperative Extension Service Workers usually receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, dental, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Some receive travel expenses and further training. These benefits are paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Possible steps in a career ladder might include Agent, County Extension Director, District Agent, Regional Supervisor, and Specialist or Administrator. Advancement depends on education and additional training, abilities and experience, and willingness to work hard.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, about 9,975 Cooperative Extension Service Workers were employed in 1998. Employment is expected to decline through the year 2008. However, their work will extend to new segments of the population, such as recent immigrants, suburban families, and residents of depressed areas, to help improve their living conditions. The industry distribution of Farm and Farm home management advisors (of which Cooperative Extension Service Workers are a part) is:

Technology is also changing the outlook for these Workers. The number of agents who work on special projects, such as energy, environment, and families at risk, may increase. Agricultural Agents will help farmers apply biotechnology and computerized management techniques to the running of their farms.

There were approximately 300 Cooperative Extension Service Workers employed in Michigan in 1999. Of these, some were Agents working in the field, while others were Specialists working at Michigan State University in teaching, research, and extension services. A few were program and general administrative staff members. All Cooperative extension Workers were employed by the State Cooperative Extension Service with headquarters located at Michigan State University. The majority specialized in agriculture and natural resources.

Employment of Cooperative Extension Service Workers is expected to show little or no change through the year 2006. A few openings may occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

As agricultural technology becomes more complicated and as farmers become more aware of the need for organized activity, expertise will be sought from trained Extension Service Personnel. The Extension Service will also reach new segments of the population, particularly in helping the disadvantaged and urban populations.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

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MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development