Educational Program Leader / Extension Program Worker

MSU Internal Job Postings Details • Oakland, MI

9h • Onsite

About The Position

Michigan State University Extension (MSU Extension) is seeking an Educational Program Leader / Extension Program Worker to deliver research-based information and support MSU Extension programs. This role is based at Tollgate Farm and Education Center, which offers experiential educational programs for all ages focused on agriculture and the environment. The position involves assisting farm staff with program support and delivery, working up to 19 hours per week with a variable schedule that may include evenings and weekends. MSU Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment where all staff contribute to a vision for success, ensuring programming is accessible and impactful for diverse audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of 3 years of experience in a teaching capacity.
• Progressively responsible experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• Nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources background.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, site visitors, and other employees.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs, and provide presentations.
• Will be required to work assigned special events, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Will be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs.
• Ability and willingness to work with livestock.
• Ability and willingness to drive a tractor (training provided).
• Ability to work well under the direction of supervisor.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, act with discretion.
• Ability to solve problems as they arise in a program setting.
• Ability to perform essential duties.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends.
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• 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 demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• 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.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the job may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Responsibilities

• Promote public interest and participation in farm-based interpretive programs.
• Assist in developing interactive programs promoting Tollgate Farm.
• Prepare supplies, set up, and clean-up program areas under the direction of the Program Coordinator and Program Manager.
• Facilitate educational programs that may include farm field trips, day camps, preschool programs, scout programs, birthday parties, and other programs.
• Assist with community events and other outreach programming.
• Assist with office support.
• Facilitate evening and weekend programs and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level