Extension Program Worker/ Summer Research Technician

Job no: 935663
Work type: Extension, Support Staff
Pay Grade: 00
Major Administrative Unit / College: Michigan State University Extension
Department: Extension Agriculture And Agribusiness 10058940
Sub Area: EXPA- Ext. Prog Assoc
Salary: 16.00 per hour
Location: In State, Leelanau
Categories: Temporary
Unit Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

• We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
• We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
• We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
• We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
• We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension.
• We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards 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.

Position Summary:

Summer technicians help conduct lab and field research trials in tree fruit systems. Research projects mainly fall under the disciplines of entomology, plant pathology, and horticulture. Must be able to work independently, think critically, communicate with fruit growers and researchers, compile and analyze data.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) colony;
• Check insect traps weekly in the 5-county area;
• Monitor weekly for SWD in 5 county area;
• Rate for tree fruit diseases;
• Tree training and harvesting high density sweet cherry, tart cherry, and apple systems.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Required Application Materials

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Advertised: Mar 18, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Apr 1, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time