Ziibimijwang Farm Corn Assistant / 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 and LTBB Ziibimijwang Farm are seeking a temporary, seasonal employee to assist with flint corn production and research at Ziibimijwang Farm in Carp Lake, MI.  This employee will work 15-20 hours per week at $18/hr for a period of 16-20 weeks in summer of 2025, with the potential for reappointment under similar terms for 2026.  

Duties will include project team meetings, communications and reporting, planting, fertilizing, weeding, irrigating, measurements and note-taking, harvest, post-harvest processing, collecting and entering of data.  The position will be hired and paid through MSU with on-site work and supervision through Ziibimijwang Farm.
 
 
 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in agriculture or related field, applied field research experience and interest in corn.
• Ability to complete physically demanding work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Interest in, and respect for, Native American history, agriculture, food systems and sovereignty. 

• 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 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.

   

• 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