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.
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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
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#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]
