Tollgate Farm Operations Assistant / Professional Aide

Tollgate Farm Operations Assistant / Professional Aide

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.

Tollgate Farm and Education Center, a working educational farm operated by Michigan State University Extension, is seeking a Farm and Operations Assistant to support farm operations and programmatic activities. This position assists with crop production, livestock care, grounds maintenance, programmatic/event set up and general farm operations to ensure the property remains functional, safe, and well-maintained across all seasons.

This role is essential in supporting day-to-day operational needs and adapting to seasonal priorities, including agricultural production, facility upkeep, and program support.

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 is a working educational farm in Novi, Michigan, providing hands-on programming in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental education.

The Farm and Operations Assistant provides consistent, year-round support to both the sustainable agriculture and operations teams. This position plays a key role in maintaining daily farm functions, including crop production, livestock care, grounds maintenance, and general farm operations.

This position supports a wide range of operational needs that shift throughout the year, including agricultural production, facility upkeep, and program support. The Farm and Operations Assistant works closely with the Farm Operations Manager and other staff to execute daily tasks and respond to evolving priorities.

This role requires a high level of reliability, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.

• Assist with vegetable crop production, including planting, weeding, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
• Support Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations, including washing, packing, and distribution of produce.
• Perform routine groundskeeping, including mowing, trimming, and weed management across farm, public, and program areas.
• Assist with trail, pasture, and property maintenance, including path management in natural areas.
• Support seasonal field operations, including hay production and general agricultural tasks.
• Assist with basic livestock care, including feeding, watering, and general upkeep, as needed and based on training.
• Operate farm equipment such as tractors and zero-turn mowers (training provided).
• Assist with routine maintenance and upkeep of tools, equipment, and farm vehicles.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and functionality of farm facilities, including restrooms and public-use spaces.
• Support volunteer group workdays by assisting with setup, coordination, and task execution.
• Assist with event setup, breakdown, and general operational support as needed.
• Collaborate with staff across program areas to support ongoing farm operations and evolving seasonal priorities.

Experience in agriculture, landscaping, groundskeeping, or related outdoor work preferred. Ability to perform physically demanding work in varying weather conditions. Willingness to learn and safely operate farm equipment. Strong work ethic and ability to work independently with minimal supervision Must be at least 18 years old (required for equipment operation). Valid driver's license preferred. Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences. 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. This is a year-round, part-time position (up to 29 hours per week) requiring a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed to support farm operations.