While a strong county-based Extension network is the main avenue for program delivery, Extension agents also provide programs on a multicounty basis. With this arrangement, the NDSU Extension Service brings stronger educational expertise to a more local level. Staffing County staff. County staff members are located in 52 county offices and, in most cases, have 50 percent of their salary paid by the county partner. Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree and preference is given to those with master's degrees.
Most agents have a strong academic base in one discipline when they begin their employment.
New agents, together with district directors, determine the training needed to prepare for diverse roles at the county level. These two programs are financed with federal dollars through USDA and matching county support mostly through in-kind contributions. Most area Extension staff members have master's or doctorate degrees. Other area staff are located in county offices and some work out of an area office. Located on the NDSU campus, state specialists are either departmental faculty or Extension specialists.