Extension Educator – Consumer Horticulture Educator

Job Description

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute (AABI), this position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in alignment of home and community gardeners and will lead the local Extension Master Gardener Program in Southwest Michigan. In addition, this position will provide general oversight to the on-going development of a community garden space known as the Veterans Therapy Garden in Paw Paw, Michigan. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams, Institutes, and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of the Institute clientele.

You will be expected to be an effective communicator and ensure dissemination of research- based information through various methods, including multi-media, distance education technologies, social media, written articles, and in-person meetings, and will provide clientele knowledge to grow their gardens, shrubs, trees, etc., while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, you will serve as an informational resource for MSU personnel and clientele.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Van Buren County MSU Extension office, Hartford, MI.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension County office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

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

View full description and apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1021426 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline: March 4, 2025

About Us

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities

You will identify, design, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to the Consumer Horticulture program. Through your leadership, you will develop and deliver science-based information for home and community gardeners and support the local Extension Master Gardener volunteers and supervise as part-time extension master gardener program coordinator. You will work with lawn and garden hotline volunteers to address home gardening questions from across the state and will serve as an information resource for lawn and garden questions. You will develop entrepreneurial programs to help support the local consumer horticulture program. You will also plan, organize, and carry out educational programs held at the garden in partnership with the local veterans’ service office and other community partners and provide supervision for Veterans Garden Extension workers.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements):
Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to horticulture, ornamental horticulture, landscape management, or related field must be earned by date of hire.

Additional Information

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Van Buren County MSU Extension office, Hartford, MI.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from a MSU Extension county office. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

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

Application Instructions

Apply through the MSU careers page. Search for posting 1021426 using the Job Search field.

Application Deadline: March 4, 2025