Educational Program Leader / Extension Program Worker

Position Summary

Basic Job Function: In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.

About the Role

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to ensuring that programming is available to all audiences, creating meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrating partnership and collaboration across communities.

Essential Duties

• Promote public interest and participation in farm-based interpretive programs.
• Aid 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.
• Aid with community events and other outreach programming.
• Aid 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.
• An 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.
• Nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources background.
• 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.
• Ability and willingness to drive a tractor (training provided).
• Ability to work well under the direction of supervisor.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, 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 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.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve.
• 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.
• 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.