Tollgate Educational Program Leader / 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:

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge/resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities and businesses.

Tollgate Farm and Education Center provides a space where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can connect with the land, develop a profound understanding of agriculture and the environment, and nurture a greater sense of responsibility for the world around us. Throughout the year, MSU Tollgate Farm offers educational programs that include experiential, educational programs for all ages, individually and from community groups and schools. During the summer, we provide camps for children age 6 to 19. We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following activities: K-12 formal education, agricultural science, outdoor education, summer camping, and/or environmental science. 

This position's key area of responsibility is to assist Farm staff with program support and delivery. This position will work up to 19 hours per week during the primary programming seasons, October-June, with fewer hours during the winter. Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required. 

The list below is intended to describe the general nature of duties only. Employees shall perform other duties as assigned. 
• Promote public interest and participation in farm-based interpretive programs using inquiry learning methods.

• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, site visitors, and other employees
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs, and provide presentations
• Will be required to work assigned special events, weekends, evenings and holidays
• Will be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs
• Ability and willingness to work with livestock
• Ability to work well under the direction of supervisor 
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, act with discretion
• Ability to solve problems as they arise in a program setting
• Ability to perform essential duties

• Assist in developing interactive programs promoting Tollgate Farm
• Prepare supplies, set up, and clean-up program areas for school field trips under the direction of the Program Coordinator
• Assist with interpretive activities and office support
• Assist with community events
• Willingness to work occasional evening and weekend programs and events

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of 3 years of experience in a teaching capacity.
•  An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the job may be substituted for the degree requirement.
• Progressively responsible experience in interpretation, education or a related field.
• Nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources background.
• Ability to promote and maintain cooperative working relationships with educational groups, site visitors, and other employees.
• Ability to communicate verbally to give tours, lead programs, and provide presentations.
• Will be required to work assigned special events, weekends, evenings and holidays.
• Will be required to adjust schedule to meet organizational needs.
• Ability and willingness to work with livestock.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, act with discretion
• Ability to solve problems as they arise in a program setting.
• Prepare supplies, set up, and clean-up program areas for school field trips under the direction of the Program Coordinator.
• 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 25 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.
• 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

ON-CALL