Mobile Invasive Species Team; MIST Outreach Technician​/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.

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 The Following

• We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
• We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
• We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
• We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
• We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
• Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

The statewide program, Clean Boats, Clean Waters, seeks applications for the position of Invasive Species Outreach Technicians for the Mobile Invasive Species Team (MIST). The Invasive Species Outreach Technician role holds responsibilities for stopping aquatic invasive species through boater education, hands‑on demonstrations, outreach booths, and invasive species fieldwork surveys while traveling from lake to lake across Michigan.

Approximately mid‑May through late August

Based on campus at Michigan State University, East Lansing. Daily travel for local and statewide events.

Aquatic invasive species primarily spread from one water body to another by “hitchhiking” on boats, trailers, and other equipment. Help protect Michigan waters from invasive species by teaching Michigan recreators, hosting outreach booths across the state, holding hands‑on demonstration events for invasive species cleaning steps, and conducting invasive species surveys to recreators. Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Michigan State University Extension leads the multi‑year program, Clean Boats, Clean Waters, to teach boaters how to reduce this risk by properly inspecting and cleaning their equipment.

Three individuals are sought to work alongside program partners from MSU Extension, the Huron‑Manistee National Forest Service, and EGLE. You will have significant responsibility for the implementation of this outreach and education program.

A typical work week includes 3–4 days in the field and 1–2 days remote for logging data.

• Providing educational opportunities for people interested in learning about aquatic invasive species, best boating practices to reduce their spread, and how to most effectively prevent them on their boat and gear.
• Towing, operating, and maintaining a trailer‑mounted power‑washing unit at boat landings and events around Michigan, demonstrating boat cleaning and washing techniques to recreational boaters.
• Attending fishing tournaments, boat shows, welcome centers, and other water‑related events to promote…