Job no: 713836
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 05
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Plant Soil And Microbial Sciences 40000781
Sub Area: AP- Professionals
Salary: Pay Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: On-Call
Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a highly motivated Program Coordinator for a new biochar Extension and outreach program. The Coordinator will play a key role in building a community around biochar in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. The Coordinator will consult with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and Extension professionals to develop, conduct, and coordinate information and Extension activities about biochar. Topics may span the full range of the biochar life cycle, including feedstocks, production, characterization, application, and social, economic, and policy implications. Biochar is an emerging technology with potential to benefit agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Biochar use as a soil amendment can help increase crop productivity, remediate degraded or contaminated land, and contribute to improving surface water quality. It can create new financial opportunities or energy savings when co-produced with bioenergy. Interest in biochar has been growing steadily in the Great Lakes region, but weak standardization for production or application in the US leaves consumers vulnerable to contradictory or misleading recommendations, while also failing to provide guidance for biochar producers that could increase their products’ effectiveness. The Program Coordinator will play a key role in improving access to regionally-relevant information about biochar and in strengthening connections across the full range of biochar stakeholder groups. The Coordinator will be supervised by Dr. Jessica Miesel and will be responsible for communicating with and reporting to the overall project team. With consultation with disciplinary experts on the project team, the Coordinator’s specific responsibilities will include:

1. Developing the content and organization for an online biochar information resource center to centralize and disseminate regionally relevant biochar information;

2. Conducting a social network analysis for the Great Lakes region to identify current biochar stakeholders, assess existing interactions, determine and prioritize stakeholder needs, and identify opportunities for developing and strengthening interactions among stakeholders (individuals and groups);

3. Developing Extension and outreach products and events to address the needs and opportunities identified from the survey and social network analysis described above; and

4. Evaluating effectiveness of all programming. Location and position details: This is a part-time hourly position available for two years (averaging 19 hours weekly over the course of each year), offering a highly flexible work schedule for outstanding applicants. The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Occasional short-term travel in Michigan to meet with stakeholders is expected. Remote work may be possible and preference should be indicated in the cover letter.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate will have: an earned BS degree (graduate degree preferred, or at least two years of relevant work experience) with proven experience developing outreach, educational, and/or Extension-type products and events. Knowledge and experience related to sustainability topics is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have a track record of excellent written and oral communication skills; outstanding interpersonal skills including ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholder groups and disciplinary experts; proven ability to work well independently and collaboratively; and demonstrated ability to successfully initiate, manage, and complete quality projects. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in project and/or program management. A valid US driver’s license is required.

Review of applications will begin on July 12. The position will remain open until filled.

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

Advertised: Jun 16, 2021 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jul 20, 2021 Eastern Daylight Time