Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Position Description: 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.

This position provides overall management for 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.

The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:

Course Instruction: Teach (at a minimum) 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

Masters -Urban Forestry, Forest Technology, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, career and technical education, or a closely related fields

Minimum Requirements

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

Required Application Materials

Cover letter, statement of teaching and learning, three professional references

Review of Applications Begins On

05/22/2026

Website

iat.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.