Hi SANet listers,
Perhaps you or someone you know will be interested in this Michigan
Extension position. It's located in the west part of Michigan's lower
peninsula, in an area with highly productive agriculture (especially fruit
and livestock), a booming economy (Grand Rapids area), and superb tourism
(along and near Lake Michigan). Development approaches that highlight and
support agricultural sustainability could fit very well in this situation.
Susan Smalley, Extension Specialist
*****
POS ID #1203
POSITION: Extension Rural Economic Development Agent
AREA SERVED: Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties
OFFICE LOCATION: Sparta, Michigan
STATUS: This position is partially funded by grants for three years
with appointment on an annual renewal basis.
AVAILABLE: July 1, 2000
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 23, 2000
STARTING SALARY RANGE: $27,000 - 32,500 commensurate with training
and experience.
POSITION DESCRIPTION/QUALIFICATIONS: See below.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Apply by using the Web Employment Application process at:
Extension Rural Economic Development Agent
Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo Counties
"Fruit Ridge Area"
May, 2000
Status:
This is a full time, professional MSU Extension position with a
programmatic link to MSU's educational resources, research and technical
assistance for agriculture business and value-added development. Initial
funding for the position is available for three years, and will be
evaluated annually for continuance. Continuance of the position will be
based on performance and subject to the availability of funds.
General Responsibilities:
Provide leadership and cooperate in planning and developing effective
Extension educational programs with emphasis on farm profitability
through value added and profit seeking opportunity development for farm
operators in designated townships in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon and Newaygo
Counties, in the area or eight townships known as the "Fruit Ridge".
Plan, develop, implement and evaluate Extension educational programs and
activities that will:
Maintain a flow of current research-based technical and business
management information to farm operators, agri-business and related
industries pursuing value added enterprises.
Improve the skills of producers and agri-businesses in the application
of research results to their product development, production or marketing
situation. Help producers understand options for accessing capital for new
products, technology and marketing.
Motivate producers and the industry to implement actions that best serve
their own community and industry interests. Focus on understanding of
business development, organization and management systems. Work to
develop and support agriculture leadership within horticultural and
agricultural industries in the assigned area.
Provide program leadership by collaborating with the County Extension
Directors,
Agriculture Agents, District Agents, Extension Specialists and the Area
of Expertise team to deliver programs to the horticultural and agricultural
industries in the assigned area.
Specific Responsibilities:
1. Provide Extension leadership in reviewing and assessing the
horticultural and agricultural industry situations in relation to the
region, state, nation and world. Communicate and interact with related
commodity groups to consider positioning and strategy.
2. Provide leadership to determine priority needs and opportunities in
the industry in cooperation with local Extension staff and stakeholder
groups. Develop advisory groups or other structures for program
development and input.
3. Provide leadership and support through active participation in relevant
Area of Expertise teams.
4. 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.
5. Serve as an information resource for Extension personnel throughout
the district and region.
6. Provide leadership in planning and carrying out a well-coordinated
ongoing informational program for producers and other clientele.
7. Continuous communications with CEDs, other agents, AoE team members,
and with campus-based departments are essential.
8. Cooperate with other agents, with AoE teams, with campus-based
departments and with 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.
9. Keep knowledgeable, through farm and business visits, with the problems
and specific needs of producers and other segments of the industry.
10. Cooperate with County and campus-based Extension staff in developing
and implementing programs for improved profitability, strategies for
developing value-added products or enterprises, improved management
decision-making and overall advancement in the industry.
11. Update producers on current and technical recommendations applicable
to industry though farm visits, one-to-one contact and group presentations.
12. Conduct and facilitate demonstrations and applied research for current
problem solving for the industry.
13. Keep the immediate supervisor informed of overall direction of program
development, implementation and evaluation. Also regularly share plans and
results with County Extension Director and other appropriate Extension
colleagues.
14. Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current
information about the industry to producers. Use communication
technologies (e-mail, code-a-phone, FAX, WebPages, etc.) to keep producers
aware of current information.
15. Actively participate in the required conferences, in-service education
and professional activities to continuously improve proficiency as an
educator and technical expertise. Submit reports, evaluations, and other
materials as requested by MSUE.
16. Facilitate interactions with appropriate industry groups and
associations within the region as well as on a statewide basis.
17. 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.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) related to Agriculture or Business.
Course work or experience in agriculture, agricultural economics and/or
business management preferred. Experience in developing strategies to
increase profitability, create new products, developing business plans,
and evaluate business opportunities is helpful. Knowledge of farm business
management practices such as records, financial planning, marketing channels
and organizations preferred. Demonstrated leadership and management
abilities. Ability to accept and delegate responsibility. Well-developed
group facilitation skills and good organization and priority setting skills
are necessary. Demonstrated drive and initiative. Effective oral and
written communication skills. Knowledge and skills in the use of computers
for use in educational programming and management. Ability to work
effectively with people of all socioeconomic levels. Understanding of and
a commitment to equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity/
pluralism. Personal mobility/transportation. Upon employment, must reside
within the multi-county area served by this position.
Responsible To:
This position is responsible to the County Extension Director of the office
where housed.
Interacts with input from the Regional Director, appropriate CEDs and
agriculture agents in counties served by this position, Area of Expertise
team, campus specialists and other Extension or campus department personnel,
as needed.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Gary Glazier or Elva Hernandez
ANR Human Resources
Michigan State University
Phone: (517) 353-8696
Toll-Free: (888) 337-9465
Fax: (517) 432-4986
E-mail: anrhr@msue.msu.edu
Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to
eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin,
gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation,
marital status, or family status. Persons with disabilities have the right
to request and receive reasonable accommodations.
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