Jay has held several positions during his tenure with  the NDSU Extension Service, starting as an area agronomist in 1978. He added service as an assistant district director to his agronomist duties, then became a district director. He currently serves as district director and director of the North Central Research Extension Center. Each change has involved accepting a higher level of responsibility and filling a role that was badly needed. He demonstrated his ability to work with producers as well as  other extension workers as an area agronomist. As a district director he  has established strong rapport with county commissioners, state legislators and other decision makers. In his current role, Jay has led a successful  effort to promote and expand the research and extension capacity of the North Central REC. He plays an active role as a member of the Extension Leadership Team and with the REC directors.