Michigan State U Extension: Consumer Horticulture Educator

Position Title: 

Position Summary

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in alignment with the needs of home and community gardeners and will lead the local Extension Master Gardener Program in Oakland and surrounding counties. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of the Institute clientele.

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to the Consumer Horticulture program. Through your leadership, you will develop and deliver science-based information for home and community gardeners and support the local Extension Master Gardener volunteers. You will work with lawn and garden hotline volunteers to address home gardening questions from across the state and will serve as an information resource for lawn and garden questions. You will develop entrepreneurial programs to help support the local consumer horticulture program.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with community members, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to healthy foods and landscapes while protecting the environment. You will also develop, produce, and deliver Consumer Horticulture outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute messaging.

You will have the ability to network statewide with the existing core of Consumer Horticulture Educators and Specialists and campus-based faculty to provide education and service to Michigan’s home and community gardeners. Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the diverse network of partner groups that include Extension Master Gardener volunteers and community groups. Acting as a statewide point of contact, you will provide support for AABI in determining research and programmatic needs across the state and will communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to horticulture, ornamental horticulture, landscape management, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
• Familiarity with adult volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
• Demonstrated skills and professional development from the last five years related to cultural competency and inclusive excellence.
• 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.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., Qualtrics, Zoom, web research, Microsoft Teams, 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.
• Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a regular part of this position.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Transportation is the responsibility of the employee.
• Experience with marketing/promotion of educational programs.
• 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-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).
• Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.
• Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

required degree:

Masters -Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, L