Agriculture Research Support / Extension Program Worker

Michigan State University; Alabama; On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Michigan State University Extension is seeking seasonal on-call Agriculture Research Support Staff to assist with sustainable agriculture research and outreach projects at the MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center in Chatham, MI.

Support staff will assist with applied vegetable and field crop research, seed handling, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, harvest, data collection and entry, and direct interaction with farmers, youth and the public.

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture, agriculture or related field.
• Applied research experience.
• Ability to complete physically demanding work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology and online communication tools.

Responsibilities

• Support with applied vegetable and field crop research and outreach projects.
• Assist with seed handling and testing, planting, irrigation and fertilization.
• Support pest management, harvest, and post-harvest sample processing.
• Collect and enter data; interact with farmers, youth and the public.

Skills

Horticulture

Applied research

Outdoor work

Communication

Community engagement

Job description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

:

In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

Position Summary:

The MSU Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center is seeking seasonal on-call Agriculture Research Support Staff to assist with sustainable agriculture research and outreach projects at our facility in Chatham, MI.

Support Staff will assist with applied vegetable and field crop research and outreach projects, while spending their days on an idyllic farm in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula. Common tasks include seed handling and testing, planting, irrigation, fertilization, pest management, harvest, post-harvest sample processing, data collection, data entry and direct interaction with farmers, youth and the general public.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture, agriculture or related field.
• Applied research experience.
• Ability to complete physically demanding work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• 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.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• 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.

Required application materials:

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Summary of Physical Demands

See Desired Qualifications.