Extension Educator-Fixed

Job no: 611379
Work type: Extension, Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: Michigan State University Extension
Department: Extension Agriculture And Agribusiness 10058940
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: Antrim, Bellaire, Benzie, Traverse City
Categories: Full Time (90-100%), Extension Program Associate-EXPA, Financial/Accounting, Research/Scientific, Non-Union, Fixed Term Academic Staff, MSU Extension- EXPA, Administrative/Business/Professional, Advising/Counseling, Agriculture, Education/Training
Working/Functional Title

NW MI Farm Management Ext Educator

Position Summary

As part of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position will provide local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in Farm Management with emphasis on whole-farm business analysis. The successful applicant will work with farmers and agribusiness across northwest Michigan and work statewide as appropriate. Northwest Michigan is home for much of Michigan’s cherry industry. This area is also known for apple and wine grape production along with traditional row crop and livestock farms, with many large and progressive farmers in the region. This position will collaborate across work teams, Institutes and commodity groups, and work with faculty, specialists and educators for overall advancement of Michigan agricultural industries. This position will be the regional point-of-contact for eastern Michigan and provide leadership and educational programming expertise in farm management with an emphasis on farm business analysis, business transition, income tax education, and general farm business management topics such as economics of technologies and return on investment. The successful applicant will design, implement and evaluate educational programming that is research based, will address the needs of clientele groups; ensure dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including multi-media, in-person education, social media, use of distance education technologies, written articles, bulletins, etc. The successful candidate will provide learning experiences and information for farmers and agri-business professionals that will contribute to enhancing profitable agricultural products, contribute to the short and long-term viability of farms, and the economic well-being of Michigan residents, and serve as an informational resource for Extension personnel. The successful applicant can choose to work from either the Benzie (Beulah) or Antrim County (Bellaire) Extension office, which is near Traverse City. This area has great outdoor and cultural activities.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

Develop, conduct and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected needs.

Communicate and interact with farm and agribusiness groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.

Work with farms and agribusiness on enterprise economic and financial evaluation to develop and maintain enterprise budget information, farm-based analysis and related programming.

Work within the Farm Management program to deliver whole farm benchmarking and cost/return information of statewide programming.

Regularly complete farm-based analysis including assisting farmers enrolled in MSU’s TelFarm program with contribute records for state benchmarking analysis.

Review and assess research and policies as it pertains to farm business management in Michigan.

Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners and Extension staff.

Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to conduct and evaluate programming efforts.

In concert with the MSUE work team(s), work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.

Create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute at local, state and national levels.

Author, produce and publish research-based educational materials that would include, but not limited to: news articles, bulletins, curriculum, digital media products, etc.

Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.

Actively participate in professional development opportunities.

Gather and report programming outputs and impacts to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the AABI Institute and the work group aligned with.

Work to ensure that community needs assessments, program development and recruitment efforts include the engagement of Michigan’s diverse residents across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.

Understand and implement Civil Rights policies and procedures.

Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Farm Business Management

Desired Degree

Masters -Farm Business Management

Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to farm business management preferred; candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to farm business management and associated experience, will be considered with the expectation to complete a Master's degree within a specified time frame, in a related field, as discussed with the Institute Director, prior to employment.

Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Ability to create and carry-out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.

Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.

Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Experience and proven ability working productively with a team.

Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.

Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications and overall management.

Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences and communities, including but not limited to race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences.

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.

Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.

Ability to travel within the assigned area and surrounding communities on a regular basis, as well as occasional statewide travel in order to perform duties of this position is required.

Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.

Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

Persons possessing both a Bachelor of Science degree in a Farm Management related field, and a Master of Science degree in an agriculture related field are encouraged to apply.

Persons with formal training in finance or economic analysis and small business related experience, with the understanding to either have or acquire a M.S. degree in an agribusiness related field are encouraged to apply.

3-years’ experience in Extension program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years preferred).

Familiarity with agricultural accounting and analysis software and tools.

Knowledge of farm financial statements, agricultural tax regulation, cash accounting and associated software.

Knowledge of general farming practices related to livestock and crop production.

Interest in working directly with farmers, as well as educating the farm community on matters addressing agriculture related economics subjects.

Required Application Materials

Current resume/CV

Cover letter

Four (4) professional references, including at least two (2) current, or prior supervisors

Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Website

https://youtu.be/HT6-ln6jWBk

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.

Advertised: Sep 20, 2019 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Nov 10, 2019 Eastern Standard Time