Extension Educator

Extension Educator-Fixed

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 meat production and processing throughout Michigan. 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 meat producers and small and medium sized meat processors to support them in producing safe, high-quality meat products. Through your leadership, the scope of your program can include but not be limited to assisting processors with state and federal regulations, creating workforce training activities, such as meat cutter training, sanitation, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), processed meats, meat cookery, while providing support to education on humane animal handling and stunning, assisting with associated applied research projects related to the needs of the meat processing industry, and additional emerging needs as they arise.

You will be expected to be an effective communicator with teaching methods ranging from traditional in-person meetings held one-on-one or in small groups, to using different forms of synchronous and asynchronous distance learning technologies. You will be expected to develop a broad array of educational materials to include but not be limited to traditional news articles and bulletins, videos, infographics, etc.

to meet the broad needs of clientele.

Through your 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 public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that improve the viability of the meat processing industry. You will also develop, produce, and deliver animal agriculture outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and is consistent with the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute messaging.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the network of partner groups that include the Michigan Meat Association and associated allied partner groups. You will collaborate with the MSU Product Center, the Center for Regional Food Systems, and related programs. Acting as a statewide point of contact, you will provide support for MSUE in determining programmatic needs and will communicate and interact with commodity groups to evaluate the needs of clientele.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Ionia County MSU Extension office located in Ionia, Michigan.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension county office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual's position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic duties/responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Communicate and interact with…