Careers @ MSU

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or on-call position. Provides food service, custodial, general labor or maintenance support for departments located off-campus (outside of the Greater Lansing area) Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Summer Farm Technician

General description: Orchard care and building maintenance on 137-acre tree fruit research farm. This is a full-time position (40 hrs./wk.) during the summer months; April - August, no overtime.

Position duties:

Farm maintenance on research plots:

• Weed control
• Orchard spraying
• Mowing
• Fertilization
• Orchard establishment/tree planting
• Harvesting fruit crops
• Irrigation installation and repair
• Collecting research and weather data

Building maintenance and repair:

• Clean facilities as needed and directed
• Repair facilities (station, dorm, lab, conference room)

Equipment operation and maintenance:

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently
• Repair and maintain equipment

Desired Qualifications

Qualifications:

• The candidate must be able to obtain Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicators License with categories 1C and 6, respirator fit certification/test, and WPS certificate soon after beginning employment.
• The candidate must prioritize safety while operating multiple pieces of equipment.
• The candidate must be willing to learn and accept feedback from peers and communicate effectively in a collaborative environment.
• The candidate must be able to calculate weights and measures for various applications, like seeding, fertilization, and pesticide applications.
• The candidate must maintain organization of shop tools and space.
• The candidate must be willing to work outside in a variety of different conditions.

The Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Center is owned by the NWMHR Foundation and managed by Michigan State University. The employment location is in Leelanau County at 6686 S. Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684.

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Health Risks

Pesticide and Fertilizer applications

Summary of Physical Demands

Work outside in varying weather conditions, lift/carry at least 25 lbs, stand and/or bend for long periods of time, walk in areas of varying terrain