Careers @ MSU

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

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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.

Unit Position Summary

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.

Position Summary:

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. 

Dates: Approximately mid-May through late August 

Location: 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.

Activities will include:

• 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 the Clean, Drain, Dry message to Michigan recreators.
• Planning these educational events by assisting the supervisor with coordinating partner organizations around the state to identify suitable locations and dates for events.
• ID aquatic invasive species during boat launch surveys at event sites and log all invasive sightings. Conduct additional plant rake surveys at sites.
• Maintaining detailed and organized records of events, locations, number of volunteers and boaters trained, invasive species encountered, and public feedback.
• Conducting boater surveys to better understand knowledge, attitudes, and behavior related to aquatic invasive species.
• Working with the supervisor to promote social media messaging and assisting in content creation.
• Opportunity to network and connect with federal, state, and local units of government as well as local non-profits, conservation groups, and community organizations.
   

Desired Qualifications

• Interest in outreach and engagement, working with the public, and overseeing events.
• Experience planning and carrying out educational programming or other events is desirable, but not required.
• Experience hauling and maneuvering trailers, navigating work sites, and working with some mechanical tools like pressure washers preferred.
• Experience setting up engaging booths and organizing display items at tables.
• Willingness to work outside under a variety of conditions and capable of lifting some heavy totes and fieldwork equipment.
• Able to drive for several hours at a time. 
• Availability to travel around the state to boater outreach events, which will regularly occur on weekends, holidays, and some overnights (typical workweek is Wednesday through Sunday, with some variability).
• Some knowledge of boating terminology, aquatic invasive species, and/or experience with species ID; but not required.
• Some experience with social media, assisting in content creation or messaging ideas.
• Coursework in aquatic ecology, freshwater management, communications, outdoor education or a related field.
• Valid driver's license and eligibility to drive University-owned vehicles (see Employee Driver Certification at http://www.rmi.msu.edu/form/employeedrivercertification.html)
• Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences.
•  Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
• Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
• Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served.
• 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.

Required application materials:

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

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 Physical Demands

See Desired Qualifications.