Educational Program Leader​/Extension Program Worker

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. Tollgate Farm and Education Center offers educational programs for all ages. This position’s key area of responsibility is to assist Farm staff with program support and delivery. The role will work up to 19 hours per week with a variable schedule.

Weekend or evening hours may be required.

• Promote public interest and participation in farm‑based interpretive programs.
• Assist 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.
• Assist with community events and other outreach programming.
• Assist with office support.
• Facilitate evening and weekend programs and events.

• 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.
• Background in nature interpretation, environmental education, biology or natural resources.
• 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.
• Must be willing and able to work with livestock and to drive a tractor (training provided).
• Demonstrated ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across diverse differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials up to 25 lb.
• 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.
• Proficiency in use of technology (web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Other skills and physical abilities required to perform the duties.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

ON‑CALL