Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Michigan State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Institute of Agricultural Technology at Michigan State University is seeking a full-time Specialist Teacher, Coordinator. This role involves teaching seminars and professional internship courses, while also coordinating student recruitment and community outreach efforts related to the Urban and Community Forestry Certificate Program.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree in a relevant field and possess at least 3 years of teaching experience. The position anticipates a starting date in August 2026 or sooner.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of successful teaching experience in relevant fields.
• Experience in agricultural and natural resources industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach courses related to urban forestry and community engagement.
• Recruit new students and maintain enrollment levels.
• Organize community outreach events and educational workshops.

Skills

Teaching experience

Urban forest management

Community engagement

Recruitment strategies

Field trip organization

Education

Master's in Urban Forestry, Forest Technology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, Specialist Teacher, Coordinator with an assignment of 70% Course Instruction and 30% Recruitment and Outreach. The position's anticipated start date is August 2026 or sooner.

Program Overview

This position provides overall management of the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Certificate Program offered through the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) in partnership with the Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation (DPFLI) located in the Riverdale neighborhood of Detroit, Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Course Instruction: Teach the new student seminar course and the professional internship course. Teach required program courses in areas such as urban forest management, community engagement, tree identification, urban tree care, arboriculture, or other areas consistent with education and experience. Assist in identifying instructors for additional course offerings. Coordinate with DPFLI and MSUE staff to secure classroom, laboratory, and field space in and around the DPFLI facility. Provide logistical support to instructors including materials, facilities, and organization of off‑campus field trips and hands‑on learning experiences. Participate in program evaluation that assesses student learning outcomes and industry workforce needs. Guide students through community‑engaged learning experiences in partnership with the community board, including field projects tied to courses.
• Recruitment and Outreach: Recruit new students to maintain optimal enrollment levels. Implement a student recruitment plan that utilizes multiple strategies to reach various target audiences, including high school students, returning adults, and community‑based organization participants. Maintain an advisory board with diverse members from the community and hold a minimum of bi‑annual update meetings. Engage with industry partners, including tree care companies, municipal forestry departments, and landscape firms, to develop internship and job placement opportunities for program graduates. Assist in the coordination of community outreach events, tree planting projects, and educational workshops.

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.

Required Degree

Master's in Urban Forestry, Forest Technology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, career and technical education, or closely related fields.

Minimum Requirements

At least 3 years of demonstrated success in relevant teaching, agricultural and natural resources industries, or forestry fields.