This study analyzed Cooperative Extension Service staffing changes and future needs and trends relative to generalist and specialist jobs, college majors, level of educational attainment, sources and availability of candidates, work experience, and starting salaries. A staffing model was developed as a frame of reference and as a means of data analysis. These were among the findings and conclusions: (1) Federal legislation has had a major influence on staffing practices; (2) the principal staffing innovations that took place or were planned to meet rapid technological, economic, and social change occurred in the minority of states with coordinated or merged extension services; (3) innovations included less emphasis on agricultural subject matter, and greater hiring of specialists and of those with previous nonfarm work experience; (4) academic attainment was expected to rise about one degree level during 1965-70; (5) except in states with merged or coordinated extension services, inservice training and professional development programs tended to be stressed rather than recourse to the job market. (Included are the questionnaire, personnel forms, bibliographies, and 104 tables.) (author/ly)