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:

Dates: Approx. mid-May through August 2025

Location: Based at Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Frequent local and statewide travel for events.

Aquatic invasive species primarily spread from one water body to another by “hitchhiking” on boats, trailers, and other equipment. You can help protect Michigan waters from invasive species by teaching boaters about invasive species, giving demonstrations on proper boat cleaning, conducting invasive species boater surveys to the public.

Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan State University leads a multi-year program to teach boaters how to reduce this risk by properly inspecting and cleaning their equipment.

Position Descriptions: Two Crew Member(s) are sought to work alongside program partners from MSU, the Huron-Manistee National Forest Service, and EGLE. You will have significant responsibility for the implementation of this outreach and education program.

Activities will include:
· Preparing for and providing educational opportunities for people interested in learning about aquatic invasive species, best boating practices to reduce their spread, and how to most effectively work with the boating public to provide education on aquatic invasive species and boat cleaning.
· Towing, operating, and maintaining a trailer-mounted power-washing unit at boat landings and events around Michigan, demonstrating boat inspection, and washing techniques to recreational boaters.
· Planning these educational events by working with partner organizations around the state to identify suitable locations and dates.
· ID aquatic invasive species during boat launch surveys at event sites and record and log all invasive sightings.
· Maintaining records of events, including costs, locations, numbers of volunteers and boaters trained, invasive species encountered, and public feedback.
· Conducting boater surveys to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to aquatic invasive species.
· Working with program partners to promote the Mobile Boat Wash program through social media and local media outlets statewide, including newspapers, radio, and television.
· Will work some pop-up events and booths representing the Mobile Boat Wash program.
· Opportunity to network and connect with federal, state, and local units of government as well as local non-profits, conservation groups, and community organizations.

A work week may look like: 1 - 2 days remote data work and 2 - 3 field workdays.

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in public outreach and engagement, social media content creation, and event booths.
• Some experience planning and carrying out educational programming or other events are desirable qualifications, but not required.
• Experience hauling and maneuvering trailers, navigating work sites, and working with some mechanical tools like pressure washers preferred.
• Excellent communication with team members, program partners, and the public.
• Some knowledge of boating terminology, aquatic invasive species and/or experience with species ID but not required.
• Coursework in aquatic ecology, freshwater management, or a related field.
• Willingness to work outside under a variety of conditions and capable of lifting some heavy objects.
• Availability to travel around the state to boater outreach events, which will regularly occur on weekends, holidays, and some overnights (typical workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, with some variability).
• Valid drivers' license and eligibility to drive University-owned vehicles (see Employee Driver Certification at http://www.rmi.msu.edu/form/employeedrivercertification.html).

Position Dates: 40 hours per week from approximately mid-May through August; specific start and end dates negotiable.

Pay: $17/hour (Crew Member); Housing not provided; overnight lodging costs covered when necessary for work.

Include your current resume and cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position, as well as contact information for 3 references.

Contact: Kelsey Bockelman: bockelm4@msu.edu, 616.632.7878

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