HOOPHOUSE OUTREACH ASSISTANT POSITION, MICHIGAN

The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Horticulture is hiring a Hoophouse Outreach Assistant. The position will report directly to the MSU Student Organic Farm (MSU-SOF) Outreach Coordinator. This is a 9-month, temporary employment position with no benefits offered. Continuing employment in a temporary capacity is dependent upon performance and funding following MSU policies andprocedures. All applicants will be required to pass a background check and a physical agility exam. Projected start date is July 18, 2011.

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Responsibilities include technical assistance focused on season extension for year-round vegetable production and harvesting related to hoophouse/high tunnel specific projects with farmers throughout Michigan. This includes: 1) crop selection and scheduling, 2) outreach material development, 3) economic projections for year-round farming 4) workshop coordination and presentations, 5) farm visits, 6) one-on-one email and phone assistance, 7) construction trainings and 8) electronic media management (website, blog, etc).

Key areas of responsibility will include technical assistance for farmers involved in two specific projects. The first is a low-interest hoophouse loan program and the second is a program offering hoophouse loans to farmers accepting food assistance benefits at four targeted farmers markets. Additional responsibilities will include management and updating of electronic resources and media. Potential opportunities include projects specific to Flint and Detroit as well as conference participation and presentations depending on interest and performance.

Successful candidates should have organic farming experience and/or education, a basic understanding of season extension for vegetable production, experience delivering presentations and/or workshops, demonstrated the ability to work with a diverse group of people in various settings, a bachelors degree in a relevant field or equivalent farming experience, familiarity with electronic media, the ability to lift 50 lbs, and a valid driver’s license. Travel, with some overnight trips, will be required for this position. Limited night and weekend work may be required at various times throughout the year.

This is a 40 hour/week position with compensation at $17.50/hr.

Please call Adam Montri at 517-355-5191 X1407 with any questions.

Please email cvs/resumes and a cover letter with “HOOPHOUSE OUTREACH ASSISTANT” in the subject line to Adam Montri by June 23, 2011 at admontri@msu.edu. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.