Extension Educator-Fixed

About the role

This position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in meat production and processing throughout Michigan. It involves identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to meat producers and small and medium-sized meat processors.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing small and medium-sized meat processors in Michigan.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the AABI.
• Understand and support the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute’s efforts in culture, access, belonging, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching all 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.
• Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele.
• Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness, and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the AABI and work teams.
• Author, produce, and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Science, Food Safety, Poultry Science, or related field must be earned by date of hire.
• Familiarity with humane animal slaughter practices, further meat processing, and food safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Experience in the Meat Industry
• HACCP train-the-trainer certified
• Meat or poultry animal welfare Professional Animal Auditor Certification (PACCO)
• 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).

Skills

Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up.

Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.

Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, 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.

Benefits

Starting salary commensurate with education and experience.

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A