Position Summary

As part of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute, this position will provide local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in field crop production.  Located in Stanton, Michigan (Montcalm County), this position will have both a local and state-wide focus, will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and commodity groups, and work with faculty, specialists and educators for overall advancement of Michigan agricultural industries. 

Michigan State University Extension supports the field crops industries in Michigan. This Extension Educator will be located in the crop diverse region of central Michigan and be based in Montcalm County. Montcalm County is the No. #1 potato producing county in Michigan.  West-central Michigan is a diverse field crop production region in which farmers produce corn, soybeans, wheat, dry edible beans and potatoes. This region is the leading potato region in Michigan, which leads the U.S. in chipping potato production. In addition there is significant vegetable production in this region. 

The successful applicant will design, implement and evaluate educational programming that is research based, will address the needs of clientele groups; ensure dissemination of research-based information through various methods including multi-media, personal education and written articles; provide growers and agri-business professionals with the knowledge to profitably produce agricultural products, contributing to the short and long-term viability of farms, and the economic well-being of Michigan citizens; and serve as an informational resource for Extension personnel and clientele.  The successful applicant will also network statewide with the existing core of 16 field crops Educators to provide education and service to the Michigan field crops industries. Michigan State University Extension encourages self-motivated people trained in this area who are eager to work with crop farmers to help them improve the profitability, viability, and sustainability of Michigan agriculture to apply for this position.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop, conduct and evaluate innovative educational programs in field crop production that meet current and statewide needs.
• Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.  
• Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners and Extension staff.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff and specialists to conduct and evaluate programming efforts.
• In concert with the MSUE work team(s), work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
• Create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute.
• Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational articles.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
• Gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSUE, the AABI Institute and the work teams aligned with. 
• Work to ensure that community needs assessments, program development, and recruitment efforts include the engagement of Michigan’s diverse residents across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
• Understand and implement Civil Rights policies and procedures.  
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.  

Required Degree

Bachelors -Crops or Soil Science, Horticulture, Ent

Desired Degree

Masters -Crops or Soil Science, Horticulture, Ent

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to crops science, horticulture, soil science, entomology or plant pathology preferred; candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to crops science, horticulture, soil science, entomology or plant pathology and associated experience, will be considered with the expectation that the selected candidate will complete a Master’s degree within a specified time frame as discussed with the Institute Director prior to employment.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Ability to create and carryout a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, web conferencing, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and  educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, including but not limited to race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding of and/or experience working with the field crop industry.
• Experience in designing, establishing and analyzing field research projects conducted with grower cooperators.
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification.

• 3-years’ experience in Extension program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years preferred).

   

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV

Cover letter

Four (4) professional references, including at least two (2) current or prior supervisors

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/HT6-ln6jWBk

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.