Extension Educator

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to Great Lakes literacy and community resiliency through place-based education and to achieve Michigan Sea Grant strategic plan outcomes. Through your leadership, you will lead Michigan Sea Grant Extension Program’s Education programs and partnerships in Southeast Michigan. This includes working with local communities and educators, schools, and other partners and networks on initiatives such as place-based education, classroom and shipboard, camps and community youth programs, professional learning opportunities for youth educators, community education, and workforce development. This also includes programming throughout the counties of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne on water conservation, as well as working with CFEI’s Natural Resources team on efforts like the Conservation Stewards Program.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with community members, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that achieve an environmentally literate public through lifelong formal and informal engagement opportunities, a diverse workforce that is skilled in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and other disciplines critical to local, regional, and national needs, community resiliency and improvements in coastal ecosystems. You will also develop, produce, and deliver Great Lakes outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible and inclusive and is consistent with Michigan Sea Grant and the Community, Food, and Environment Institute messaging.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the diverse network of partner groups that include, Southeast Michigan Stewardship Coalition, Huron Clinton Metro Parks, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Detroit Zoo, and others.  You will collaborate with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Michigan Sea Grant - University of Michigan, and the Sea Grant Education co-leads and team members.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Macomb County MSU Extension office. The primary service area for this position is MSU Extension District 11, covering the counties of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne, with some collaboration work in MSU Extension District 10 and/or MSU Extension District 12 coastal counties.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the CFEI.
• Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s  efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class, and other human differences in rural, suburban and urban communities, and where applicable, increasing programmatic delivery and participation in urban centers.
• Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele. 
• In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming.
• Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff.
• Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities.
• Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CFEI and work teams. 
• Actively participate in professional development opportunities.
• Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles.
• Other duties or projects as assigned by the Institute Director.

How to apply:

Find the full description and application here. Applications close February 24, 2022, so apply soon!