Kansas State University

Consider The Options

Submitted by Aliesa Good

Extension agents are Kansas State University employees, jointly supervised by K-State Research and Extension and the local extension unit. When an agent vacancy occurs, the local unit board should evaluate the vacant position situation, the community's needs, and -- with the regional director -- consider all the options to fill the position.

An idea to consider would be a local unit shared agent. Multi-unit employment of extension agents is outlined in the extension law as follows:

• 2-615(b) The executive boards of two or more county extension councils and the director of extension, or the director’s authorized representative, may enter into an agreement to jointly employ an extension agent or agents under like conditions as the executive board of a single county. Any such agreement may determine the amount of compensation to be paid for each such agent by each executive board of the county extension council and the director of extension, the program and service priorities that will be applicable to each such agent and the time each such agent is to spend in each county. In any case where one or more extension agents are to be jointly employed pursuant to such an agreement, each such agent may be employed and supervised by a multi-county extension governing board and the director of extension, or the director’s authorized representative, in accordance with the agreement entered into by the executive boards of the county extension councils of the respective counties. Any such multi-county extension governing board shall be composed of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer of each executive board entering into the agreement.

If your local unit situation includes repeated vacancies, failed searches, difficulty finding candidates with applicable subject matter knowledge, or budget/financial concerns, this option could be your solution.

Compliments to the Cowley and Sedgwick county staff members and boards who entered into a shared agent position on January 1. Jeff Seiler is serving as the agriculture and natural resources agent for both counties. These local units engaged in conversations with their boards and challenged them to think creatively with a big-picture view of K-State Research and Extension. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by all parties that outlines the agreement. I encourage you to reach out to these units and inquire about this innovative approach.

This collaborative effort occurred because people worked together toward a common goal, and they each are using their experiences and skills to contribute to its success. The next time you are working to solve a staffing issue, reach out to your neighboring local units and consider a mutual approach that will be a win for all.