Field Crops Climate Technician / 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 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:

This position allows for a flexible schedule depending upon need. The position will be based out of the Clinton County MSUE office, with weekly trips to the Kellogg Biological Station and will allow for hybrid schedule with some remote work hours. One-hour Zoom calls will be held at 8:30 am Monday mornings for weekly debriefing and planning. 

The MSUE Field Crops Climate Grant Technician will be responsible for helping with data collection, field work and farmer support for a grant investigating the impact that regenerative agriculture has on climate change mitigation and adaptation in field crops. The team is a dynamic group of researchers and educators investigating how different agronomic practices and soil health interact with climate resiliency on farmer fields. 

The technician will help team members collect samples and take part in meetings and research activities. Many of the lab-based research activities will take place at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), which is Michigan State University’s premier field station located in Southwest, Michigan. KBS has a long history of conducting research on sustainable agriculture, soil health, and climate research. The technician will be part of a larger network that engages researchers, cooperators, and farmers. Moreover, most of the sampling efforts will take place on farms across the state of Michigan. Farm sampling would include soil and greenhouse gas (GHG) sampling   on farm fields (25 farms enrolled). Soil sampling occurs in the spring, mid-season and fall with processing soil taking place at KBS. GHG sampling is weekly to biweekly during the growing in regions located in lower MI. 

The Field Crops Climate Technician will be asked to communicate frequently via email with the team. The Technician will also use Camtasia, Excel, Canva, podcast editing software, Zoom, D2L, TEAMs etc. to help accomplish various project goals. Training for various programs will be offered if necessary. Mileage and travel expenses incurred while working with the team will be reimbursed such as travel to research plots, field days and meetings. In some instances, an MSU pool vehicle can be provided. Mileage will not be reimbursed for travel to and from the office. No equipment is required; a computer will be supplied. 

Desired Qualifications

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.
• 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

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

The Field Crops Technician should be able to lift 50 lbs and work outdoors during the summer several hours at a time.