Extension Educator-Fixed

MSU Careers Details•Jackson, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is seeking a Consumer Horticulture Educator to provide local and statewide leadership in educational programming for home and community gardeners. This role will lead the Extension Master Gardener Programs in Livingston, Washtenaw, and surrounding counties, with statewide responsibilities. The position involves identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based educational programs focused on best management practices for landscape and garden management, contributing to the production of healthy foods and landscapes while protecting the environment. The educator will develop and deliver science-based information, support Master Gardener volunteers, and manage the lawn and garden hotline to address gardening questions from across the state. Entrepreneurial program development to support the consumer horticulture program is also expected. Effective communication through various methods, including multi-media, distance education, social media, written articles, and in-person meetings, is crucial for disseminating research-based information. Collaboration with colleagues at MSU, MSU Extension, and partner groups, including Master Gardener groups and industry organizations, is essential. The role also involves collaborating with existing Consumer Horticulture Educators and Specialists, and campus-based faculty to serve Michigan's home and community gardeners. As a statewide point of contact, the educator will support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI) in identifying research and programmatic needs and will interact with community groups to assess clientele needs. This is a full-time, fixed-term, end-dated appointment, renewable annually based on performance and funding. While some flexibility may be available, there is an expectation to work from an MSU Extension county office.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to horticulture or related field must be earned by date of hire.
Familiarity with working with adult volunteers.
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.
Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
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 AABI.
Understand and support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching all populations.
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 AABI 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.