Student Organic Farm Director Job in Michigan

 

The primary responsibilities of this position are to: oversee educational/experiential training activities, and crop production planning and management, at the Student Organic Farm accomplished by paid staff and student volunteers; oversee and manage the Student Organic Farm annual budget; and engage in strategic planning for the Student Organic Farm’s management and programming. The successful candidate will (i) oversee creation, development, and coordination of and instruction for the Organic Farmer Training Program (OFTP) and other non-credit educational programs (instruct participants, supervise other instructors and staff, evaluate participant performance) and Farmer Field School (FFS); (ii) supervise salaried and hourly staff in creating comprehensive yearly crop plans; order supplies and equipment to maintain a working inventory; supervise/advise paid undergraduate crew members and volunteers and oversee staff hiring; facilitate collaborative research; and work collaboratively with colleagues and staff at the Horticulture Teaching and Research Center; (iii) collaborate with operations of the Bailey Greenhouse and Land Grant Goods; (iv) collaborate with faculty, staff, and students on experiential learning initiatives for MSU undergraduate students; (v) oversee budget matters (revenues & expenses, effective accounting and bookkeeping) to fund Student Organic Farm operations including the OFTP, FFS, Farm Stand, Community Supported Agriculture cooperative, and Residential Housing Services/dining hall sales; (vi) Write and submit grant proposals, and coordinate fundraising efforts in collaboration with MSU-CANR’s Office of External Relations; and (vii) work closely with the Student Organic Farm Advocacy Council, Advisory Group, and stakeholders to evaluate Student Organic Farm activities and programming needs, and with the SOF Undergraduate Engagement Coordinator to evaluate present and future Student Organic Farm educational and outreach programming.

Qualifications:
Required:
– B.S. degree in Horticulture, Agro-Ecology, Biology or a related STEM field;
– Five (5) or more years of experience managing production and sales of an organic farm emphasizing vegetable, fruit, and livestock;
– Three (3) or more years providing training/experiential learning to farmers.

Desired:
– Educational experience/certificate in organic farming practices;
– M.S. degree in Horticulture, Agronomy, Agro-Ecology/Sustainable Cropping Systems or a related field;
– Experience writing competitive proposals and administering grants;
– Experience working in a diverse environment and/or utilizing a variety of teaching/communication methods designed for broad student/stakeholder success.

Application Procedure: Qualified applicants should submit the following materials to https://careers.msu.edu (select Faculty/Academic Staff and apply to posting # 494300) a letter of application, summarizing your background, experience and future interests; 2) a current resume; 3) copy of transcripts showing degree award date; 4) a summary of your experience with diversity in classroom, research, and/or extension endeavors, and an explanation of how you will contribute to MSU’s goals of inclusive excellence, and 5) contact information for three references who will be contacted directly by the search committee as needed. Questions about the position or the search and interview timetable can be directed to Brad Rowe, Search Committee Chair (rowed@msu.edu). Questions on submitting applications through https://careers.msu.edu can be directed to hrt@msu.edu. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2018, and continue until the position is filled.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion.