The PSAS team met in Casper to discuss two issues: 1) identification and justification of CES specialist positions to be submitted to Central Position Management; 2) team needs-assessment for future programming.

After discussion of input from department heads, field agents, and team members three positions were chosen for recommendation. A specialist in water and one in weeds tied for first priority, with someone in animal systems ranking second. The team then discussed configuration and job descriptions for each position.

It was felt that the water position needed to address both water quality and irrigation. The team would like to see each position configured as 75% extension and 25% research, but departmental input indicates that the water position would need to include enough instruction to teach a basic irrigation course every other year.

Agreement was reached that the weed position should be centered around rangeland weed control on a watershed basis and using integrated methods. The animal systems position would concentrate on beef and sheep, and should provide leadership in state youth livestock activities. This position should also have some economics background.

The team is working to take input and develop written job descriptions and rationales for each specialist position for submission to the Director by April. After drafts have been written they will be offered for review by team members and Extension personnel.

Susan James shared with the team the plans of administration to administer a state-wide CES needs-assessment. At this point a state-wide mail survey is planned, along with administrative district focus groups. The mail survey is scheduled for 2002, and focus groups will be held in a different districts over a four year rotation. The team is invited to provide questions and subject matter for the survey and we are presently taking input for that process.

A Needs-Assessment Subcommittee had been appointed at the last meeting and their report was discussed and approved with minor revision. In response to this report the PSAS team took some simple input on subjects needing education at the winter meeting of the Wyoming Stock Growers and Wool Growers Associations. Secondly, the team will be sending a short survey to county educators each fall and asking them to obtain input from their county or area advisory committees during the winter for return to the team. The third recommendation of the subcommittee was that the team provide input into the state assessment, which is being done.

A time was not set for a next meeting. The team will be reviewing the draft proposals of the specialist positions and the chair will organize a conference call or meeting at that time.