Extension Program Instructor

Job no: 841057
Work type: Extension, Support Staff
Pay Grade: 62
Major Administrative Unit / College: Michigan State University Extension
Department: Extension Community Food And Environment 10058942
Sub Area: EXPA- Ext. Prog Assoc
Salary: 40400.00
Location: Oakland
Categories: Agriculture, Education/Training, Advising/Counseling, Extension Program Associate-EXPA, MSU Extension- EXPA, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union
Working/Functional Title

Tollgate Public Program Coordinator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.

We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.

We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.

We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.

We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.

We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards 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. For more than 100 years, MSU Extension has helped grow Michigan’s economy by equipping Michigan residents with the information that they need to do their jobs better, raise healthy and safe families, build their communities, and empower our children to dream of a successful future.

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center promotes food system awareness through exploring the sustainable, nutritional, and cultural aspects of agriculture. Our programming educates the public about food production while encouraging ethical food producers.

Year-round we provide hands-on educational opportunities for youth and their families. During the summer months, MSU Extension offers summer enrichment programming that includes 4-H day-camps for young people ages 5-19. Day camp activities are fun, safe, and appropriate to the campers’ age and abilities.

We are seeking a Public Program Coordinator to further the mission of MSU Tollgate through the planning and delivery of day camps, and additional public programming. This individual will coordinate all aspects of our summer camp programming including recruiting counselors, supervising counselors, planning programming, managing registration, ensuring compliance with MSU and 4-H policies, and creating a safe, fun, and educational experience for youth for the nine weeks of summer. This position will also work closely with the Tollgate education team to grow and develop new programmatic opportunities.

Provides leadership and oversight of local programs, clients, and participants, related to MSU Extension (MSUE) program focus areas and as part of a specific MSU Extension Institute; oversees and ensures program/project promotion and expansion activities; assists with data gathering for impact evaluation efforts; and works in conjunction with supervisor, program participants and community partners to attain both short-term and long-term goals and objectives. Through supervising educator, works in concert with the appropriate MSUE Institute and/or work team(s) to ensure alignment of programs with overall goals of work team, Institute, and organization.

This position will work from the MSU Tollgate Farm, a 160-acre farm located in the suburbs of Detroit, MI.

This position is a full-time, end-dated appointment renewable annually based continued funding. Currently funding is anticipated to be available for 1 year.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out programs that focus on the specific area of educational programming.
• Collaborate with the appropriate MSU Extension Institute work teams.
• Provide expertise and information to clientele related to program area.
• Plan, organize and implement programs that are relevant to program area and meet the needs of local residents.
• Operates somewhat independently, with minimal supervision, ensuring that program delivery follows prescribed guidelines and meets the goals for reaching specific audiences.
• Provide information and opportunities for learning through the use of technology, mass media, group meetings, workshops, and individual contacts.
• Attend various and related local program meetings or committee meetings, as well as community planning activities, as appropriate.
• Represent MSU Extension in activities, meetings, etc. in a manner that reflects collegial connection with the community, the research and knowledge of the University, and the goodwill of MSU Extension.
• Reach a diverse audience through traditional and newly developed programs.
• Actively participate in a variety of professional development opportunities to attain and retain program knowledge and delivery skills.
• Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a special emphasis on reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, and other human differences.
• Deliver a fun and educational 4-H program for campers.
• Implement programming that follows the ethics and goals of 4-H.
• Ensure lesson plans are prepared and implemented that meet camp outcomes and the abilities of the campers.
• Evaluate the success of the program and the development of the campers’ abilities and skills in various program activities.
• Ensure that camp staff and campers know and follow safety procedures.
• Implement appropriate camper discipline and positive reinforcement meeting the expectations of the 4-H Code of Conduct.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with camper parents.
• Plan and lead summer camp staff training.
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of program areas.
• Lead the hiring and interview process for educational leaders.
• Regularly monitor work of educational leaders and teen volunteers.
• Provide feedback and guidance to educational leaders and teen volunteers.
• Develop and implement schedules and records for camp program.
• Collect and evaluate records, report, and evaluate camp program.
• Maintain camp licensing through the State of Michigan.
• Maintain required camper documentation and paperwork.
• Oversee camp registration processes through the MSUE Events Management system.
• Ensure that MSU Extension Volunteer Selection Process procedures are followed in concert with the addition of any volunteers engaged in programming.
• Contribute to the writing and execution of new school and community programming.
• Attend MSU Tollgate administrative staff meetings.
• Maintain clear and positive written and verbal communications with all site staff.
• Participate enthusiastically in all site activities, providing support and guidance to those assigned as leaders.
• Participate as a member of the overall site team to deliver evening programs, special events, overnights, traveling programs, and other all-camp and all-site activities.
• Must be comfortable leading groups of varying sizes; average group size is 5-19 participants.
• Communicate, work with, and provide instruction to youth and volunteers.
• Observe youth and volunteer behavior, assess appropriateness of activities, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Able to identify and respond to environmental and safety issues as needed.
• Must be able to assist youth in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury).
• May assist with leading farm to school field trips from September through May.
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the supervisor.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, agriculture, or other applicable degree and two years of experience in program management and delivery in area of focus.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience, may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Additional experience in area of expertise.
• Proficient computer operation skills (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to 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.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/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.
• Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

• 3-5 years in administrative role at a day camp or overnight camp.
• Experience in 4-H program development and delivery.
• Experience in the development and delivery of programs and activities in an outdoor education setting.
• Current certification in first aid and CPR.
• Experience in STEAM and inquiry science education.
• Experience working with livestock and/or sustainable agriculture.

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 Application Materials

Current resume/CV.

Cover letter.

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

Together-we-will StatementThe university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/Special Instructions

This position is a full-time, end-dated appointment renewable annually based continued funding. Currently funding is anticipated to be available for 1 year.

Work Hours

Generally 40 hours Monday through Friday, with some nights and weekends needed.

Description of End Date

12 months. This position is a full-time, end-dated appointment renewable annually based continued funding. Currently funding is anticipated to be available for 1 year.

Website

https://youtu.be/8KBMarSqHos

Advertised: Jan 18, 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 7, 2023 Eastern Standard Time