Educational Program Leader / Extension Program Worker

Position Summary Michigan State University 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. We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following activities: K-12 formal education, agricultural science, outdoor education, summer camp, and/or environmental science. This position’s key area of responsibility is to assist Farm staff with program support and delivery. The position will work up to 19 hours per week with a variable schedule. Weekend or evening hours may be required. Essential Duties Promote public interest and participation in farm-based interpretive programs. Assist in developing interactive programs promoting Tollgate Farm. Prepare supplies, set up, and clean‑up program areas under the direction of the Program Coordinator and Program Manager. Facilitate educational programs that may include farm field trips, day camps, preschool programs, scout programs, birthday parties, and other programs. Assist with community events and other outreach programming. Assist with office support. Facilitate evening and weekend programs and events. Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of 3 years of experience in a teaching capacity. 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. Background in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources. 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. Willingness to drive a tractor (training provided). Ability to work well under the direction of a supervisor. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, act with discretion. Ability to solve problems as they arise in a program setting. Ability to perform essential duties. Availability to work evenings and weekends. Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across a broad range of differences. Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences representative of the communities served. 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. Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and appropriate use of approaches, skills and techniques that reflect an understanding 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 required as a regular part of this position; transportation is the responsibility of the employee. Proficiency in technology tools (web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, 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, up to 19 hours per week with variable schedule; weekend or evening hours may be required. #J-18808-Ljbffr Michigan State University