Farm Operations Support / Labor Aide/Off-Campus

Michigan State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Michigan State University Extension is seeking an on-call/temporary groundskeeping and maintenance assistant at the Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi, Michigan. The role focuses on outdoor tasks, seasonal farm work, and event support within a welcoming team environment.

The position requires reliable, independent work and physical ability to handle tools, with flexible availability including evenings and weekends. Transportation is the employee’s responsibility.

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and experience with general maintenance and repairs.
• Interest in agriculture or outdoor work.
• Ability to perform physical outdoor work in varying conditions.
• Flexible availability including evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in technology and online tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with general groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, snow removal, and basic property maintenance.
• Support weed management and routine upkeep of farm and public spaces.
• Assist with trash collection and maintaining cleanliness of facilities and grounds.
• Provide support during volunteer group workdays, including setup and task assistance.
• Assist with event setup and breakdown as needed.
• Support seasonal farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and general labor.
• May assist with animal handling and routine animal care.
• Assist staff with miscellaneous operational needs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Maintenance experience

Carpentry/basic construction

Outdoor work

Tech proficiency

Oral and written communication

Physical stamina

Transportation responsibility

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Education

Education/experience alternative

Tools

Qualtrics

Zoom

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function) This is a temporary or on-call position. Provides food service, custodial, general labor or maintenance support for departments located off-campus (outside of the Greater Lansing area) Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

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

Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. Tollgate Farm and Education Center is a working educational farm in Novi, Michigan, providing hands-on programming in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental education.

This role requires a high level of reliability, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. This position is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on, outdoor work who enjoy problem-solving and have an aptitude for general maintenance, repairs, and working with tools and equipment.

Duties

• Assist with general groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, snow removal, and basic property maintenance.
• Support weed management and routine upkeep of farm and public spaces.
• Assist with trash collection and maintaining cleanliness of facilities and grounds.
• Provide support during volunteer group workdays, including setup and task assistance.
• Assist with event setup and breakdown as needed.
• Support seasonal farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and general labor.
• May be asked to assist with animal handling and routine animal care.
• Assist staff with miscellaneous operational needs as they arise.

Desired Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude and experience with general maintenance, equipment repair, basic carpentry, construction, or other skilled trades.
• Interest in agriculture, environmental education, or outdoor work.
• Ability to perform physical work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Flexible availability, including evening and weekend availably.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Hours

Up to 19 hours a week. Flexible, as needed scheduling based on operational demand. Seasonal changes may cause hours to change from season to season.

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