Extension Educator-Fixed

MSU Careers Details•Clinton, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) is seeking an Animal Nutrient Management Extension Educator to provide local and statewide leadership in educational programming related to environmental issues in livestock production, focusing on manure and nutrient management. This role involves identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based educational programs to assist farmers and agri-businesses in reducing environmental impact, improving regulatory compliance, and promoting economically sustainable practices. The educator will utilize various communication methods, including in-person meetings, one-on-one sessions, and distance learning technologies, and will develop a wide range of educational materials. Collaboration with colleagues at MSU, MSU Extension, state agencies, and commodity organizations is essential. The position is full-time, fixed-term, and renewable annually. While negotiable, there is potential to work from the Ionia County MSU Extension office, with 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 Animal Science, Agronomy or Agriculture Engineering, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
Familiarity with manure and nutrient management systems, engineering, and/or nutrient utilization.
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

Understanding of and/or experience working with farm nutrient management practices in the livestock and poultry industries.
Experience in designing, establishing, and conducting field research projects conducted with farm cooperators.
Knowledge of organic systems.
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 the animal industries 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, 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.
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.
Develop a working knowledge of nutrient and emergency management plans.
Knowledge of manure hauling, storage, and handling technologies.
Knowledge of composting.
Develop a working knowledge of the Michigan Generally Accepted Agricultural Management System Practices (GAAMPs) related to agricultural animal production.
Conduct on-farm site and environmental assessments.
Facilitate practices and behaviors that improve regulatory compliance.
Provide education and guidance on nutrient management and emergency plans, siting livestock facilities, manure hauling and storage, manure treatment technologies, composting, along with odor mitigation strategies, and ultimately improving water and air quality in an economically sustainable manner.
Provide effective communication with teaching methods ranging from traditional in-person meetings, one-on-one or small groups, to using different forms of synchronous and asynchronous distance learning technologies.
Develop a broad array of educational materials to include but not be limited to traditional news articles and bulletins, videos, infographics, etc. to meet the broad needs of clientele.
Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.