Soil 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 traditional Monday-Friday work week with some remote work hours upon need.

The position will be based out of the Isabella County Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College Land Grant Office (SCTC LGO), with weekly trips to farms throughout Michigan.

SCTC’s LGO food sovereignty garden will be one of the 15 farms being tested. This position will require weekly meetings with the LGO staff for updates and team building. It will be required to allocate time towards the food sovereignty garden when needed. One-hour Zoom calls will be held weekly debriefing and planning. 

The MSUE Soil Technician will be responsible for helping with data collection, field work and farmer support for a grant investigating the impact that Indigenous farming practices have on soil health indicators. It is the responsibility of the technician to build intentional relationships with the farmer to access their needs and support their goals towards healthy soil and abundant crops for their future. The technician will be working with a dynamic team that consists of a group composed of plant/soil scientists, MSU/MILES Extension educators, community partners, technical assistance networks, USDA staff, and NRCS Tribal Liaisons.

The technician will help team members collect samples and take part in meetings and research activities across Michigan on 15 indigenous farms. Farm sampling would include soil sampling in the spring and in the fall. The technician will be part of a larger network that engages researchers, cooperators, and farmers helping to coordinate field days and social opportunities for the network with an emphasis on Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge that supports food sovereignty and soil health. 

The Soil Technician will be asked to communicate frequently via email with the team. The Technician will also use various technology applications like Excel, Canva, Zoom and TEAMs 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

• 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.
•  Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, 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 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 Soil Technician will be able to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors during the summer several hours at a time.