Extension Program Worker

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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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 inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards 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:

he MSUE Field Crops Intern will be responsible for helping with wheat, cover crop, integrated pest management and Michigan Soybean Committee research projects. The Field Crops Team is a dynamic group of researchers and educators assisting farmers in implementing agronomic practices on their farms.

The intern will help team members prepare and publish educational materials, help plan and administer field days and take part in meetings and research activities. The Michigan Soybean Committee is a farmer-led organization that directs the soybean checkoff in Michigan and cooperates with MSU Extension to implement soybean research projects across Michigan annually. The intern would be interacting with cooperators and taking field samples at on-farm research sites.

The Field Crops Intern will be asked to communicate frequently via email with the team. The internship will also include the use of programs such as Camtasia, Excel, Canva, podcast editing software, Zoom, D2L, TEAMs etc. to help accomplish various goals. Needed programs and training to use the programs will be supplied.

Mileage and travel expenses incurred while working with the team will be reimbursed such as travel to research plots, field days and meetings. Mileage will not be reimbursed for travel to and from the office. No equipment is required, a computer will be supplied. The Field Crops Intern should be able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors during the summer several hours at a time.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
• 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 50 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.
• 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

STANDARD 8-5