Michigan State University Extension has an opening for a fruit Extension Educator (Agent) in SW Michigan. Berrien County has as diverse a horticultural industry as any place in the US. The successful candidate would have a great opportunity to build a successful career and get to work with MSU Fruit Team and many intelligent progressive growers in solving industry problems. Please pass this announcement on to anyone who might be interested. The funding status is by annual grant, but this position has been funded by Berrien County for many years, because the fruit industry is so important to the Berrien County economy. ----------------------------------------- Mark Longstroth SW Michigan District Fruit Educator Van Buren County MSU Extension 219 Paw Paw Street, Suite 201 Paw Paw, MI 49079 Bus (269) 657-8213 x3 Cell (269) 330-2790 Code-A-Phone (269) 657-8217 Fax (269) 657-6678 Email - [EMAIL PROTECTED] Check Out My Webpages http://web1.msue.msu.edu/vanburen/disthort.htm -----------------------------------------
#1623 POSITION: Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Fruit AoE, Berrien County OFFICE LOCATION: Benton Harbor, MI AVAILABLE: February 1, 2009 APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 14, 2008 STARTING SALARY RANGE: $35,000 - $45,000 commensurate with training/experience. STATUS: This is an annually renewable position funded by a county grant. POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS: See attached. APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Apply using the Web Employment Application process at: http://www.msue.msu.edu/jobs FURTHER INFORMATION: Barbara Campbell MSU Southwest Michigan State University Extension 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive Hickory Corners, MI 49060 Phone: 269/671-2444 Fax: 269/671-2409 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Fruit Area of Expertise Berrien County May 2008 Summary Description: Berrien County is the state’s 14th most populous county at 162,453 persons (80% white, 16% African American). (Source: 2000 US Census) The predominant economic segments are manufacturing, agriculture, and service/retail. Berrien County is situated in the most southwestern corner of the state bordering Lake Michigan and the State of Indiana. The moderate temperatures, soils, proximity to markets, and an established agricultural infrastructure combine to make Berrien County one the most diverse horticultural areas east of the Mississippi River. Berrien County ranks second in Michigan for fruit production with 388 farms (17,925 acres) including apples, peaches, tart cherries, and juice and wine grapes. A major Michigan State University horticulture research and demonstration center is located adjacent to the county Extension office. General Responsibilities: Provide leadership and cooperate in planning and delivering effective Extension educational programs in commercial horticulture with emphasis on fruit crops, especially wine grape. Plan, develop, implement and evaluate Extension educational programs that focus on strengthening profitability. 1. Provide research‑based technical and crop management information to farm operators, producers, agri‑business and related industries in the counties. 2. Improve the knowledge and skills of producers and agri‑business personnel in the application of research-proven techniques to their production or marketing situations. 3. Provide program leadership by collaborating with the County Extension Directors, extension educators, Extension Specialists and Area of Expertise (AoE) team members to deliver programs to the horticulture industry in Berrien County. 4. Contribute to the effective use of agricultural resources as a part of overall social, economic, and environmental development in the county. 5. Represent MSU Extension on the USDA County Emergency Board and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and stay informed on matters that relate to farm commodity and farm chemical safety and security. 6. Develop and support agriculture leadership within the Berrien County agriculture and natural resource community. Specific Responsibilities: 1. Provide Extension leadership in reviewing and assessing the horticulture industry situation in relation to the region, state, nation, and world. Communicate and interact with related commodity groups. 2. Provide leadership to determine priority needs in the horticulture industry in cooperation with local Extension staff and stakeholder groups. Develop advisory group(s) or other structures for program development and input. 3. Provide clientele/producers current and timely technical recommendations applicable to industry through farm visits, one‑to‑one contact, group presentations, newsletters, direct mail, news releases, electronic media and other means. Provide farmers and other agriculturalists with the results of unbiased research results in agriculture and other related subject matter areas. 4. Provide leadership and support to the Agricultural Industry through active participation in relevant Area of Expertise teams. 5. Serve as the lead county Extension educator in matters pertaining to farm labor policy education and stay informed with key local and state organizations that support/coordinate/administer programs for farm labor. 6. Serve as an information resource for Extension personnel throughout the district and region. Maintain and update databases of horticulture producers. 7. Develop Educational Initiatives, based upon program priorities in accordance with local needs, advisory groups, and established policies and procedures. 8. Assist growers in developing a strong farm financial management system based on recordkeeping, cost of production data, computer assisted decision-making and long-range planning. 9. Cooperate with other educators, with AOE team, with campus‑based departments/specialists in establishing, conducting, and evaluating demonstrations and research efforts in the area. Cooperate with other USDA, county, and state agencies that support agriculture industries. 10. Communicate the Extension and research needs of the area to campus‑based departments, crop integrators, and research partners. Assist departments and AOE team in determining these needs through interaction with state commodity groups and associations 11. Cooperate with county and campus based Extension staff in developing and implementing programs for improved crop production and products (including strategies for value‑added products), improved management decision‑making, and overall advancement in the industry. Conduct educational programming in proper pesticide use, storage, and safety. 12. Regularly share plans and results with County Extension Director and other appropriate Extension colleagues. 13. Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current information about the industry to producers. Use communication technologies (e‑mail, FAX, Web Page, etc.) to keep producers aware of current pest conditions. 14. Actively participate in conferences, in‑service education, and professional development activities to continually improve technical expertise and proficiency as an educator. Submit reports, evaluations, and other materials in a timely fashion, as required by MSUE. 15. Facilitate interactions with appropriate industry groups and associations within the region as well as on a statewide basis. 16. Work with appropriate team members to meet the natural resource and public policy programming needs related to agriculture, environment, and land‑use issues. 17. Work with Extension Council and other advisory groups for support of Extension programming. 18. Implement the directives and objectives of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action regarding the availability of Extension programs. Strive to reach a diverse audience and extend Extension programs to under‑served audiences. 19. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Master's degree related to horticulture, or related field with focus on fruit. Course work or experience in viticulture, integrated pest or crop management, or entomology preferred. Three years of Extension and/or Extension related experience preferred. Experience in improved crops management practices to increase profitability, reduce undesirable environmental impacts, manage insects and diseases, and food safety. Prior experiences in conducting programs related to Integrated Pest Management, Integrated Crop Management and value‑added products preferred. Knowledge of farm management practices such as farm labor, records, financial planning, marketing channels and organizations preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop leadership in the agriculture community. Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks required. Ability to accept and delegate responsibility. Effective oral and written communication skills; Spanish speaking skills preferred. Knowledge and skills in the use of computers for use in educational programming and management required. Understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity/pluralism. Upon employment, must reside within Berrien County (waiver available under certain circumstances). Responsible to: This position is responsible to the County Extension Director in Berrien County. Interacts with input from the Regional Director, appropriate CEDs and educators in counties served by this position, Area of Expertise team, campus specialists, and other Extension or campus department personnel, as needed. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations. MSU is committed to achieving excellence though cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities. Barbara Campbell MSU Southwest 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive Hickory Corners, MI 49060 Phone: 269/671-2444 Fax: 269/671-2409 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]