Extension Educator-Fixed

MSU Careers Details•Dickinson, MI

2d•$56,100•Hybrid

About The Position

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is seeking an Inland Lakes Shoreline Educator to provide local and statewide leadership and educational programming expertise. This role supports MSU Extension’s Center for Lakes and Streams and a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) funded project focused on advancing lake stewardship in Michigan. The position involves identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based educational programs related to best management practices (BMPs) for lakes statewide, with a focus on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula. Responsibilities include conducting site visits, providing technical assistance, delivering educational programming for shoreline habitat restoration (native plantings, bioengineering, upland stormwater BMPs), and supporting education on conservation easements. The role requires collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as partner groups such as the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, and various Tribes. The educator will also oversee outreach strategy and planning, design and deliver education and engagement programs, and work directly with lakefront property owners, lake associations, contractors, and agencies to build long-term stewardship. Monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of efforts to track outreach metrics and assess effectiveness are also key components. The position is based in one of several MSU Extension county office spaces in the UP, with potential for flexible work environment, but an expectation to work from an MSU Extension county office. This is a full-time, fixed-term, annually renewable appointment.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to aquatic ecology, limnology, fisheries management, science communication, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
Familiarity with lake conservation best practices, policy frameworks, and environmental/biological processes influenced by management decisions.
Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and varied economic backgrounds and perspectives of the target population served.
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.
Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
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, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management.
Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities, and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
Demonstrated skills and professional development over the past five years related to cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.
Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

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).
Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the CFEI.
Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching all populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences in rural, suburban and urban communities, and where applicable, increasing programmatic delivery and participation in urban centers.
Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.
In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state, and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
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.
Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CFEI and work teams.
Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
Author, produce, and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.