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MODEL POSITION DESCRIPTION

EXTENSION AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATOR

Job Title:  Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator,  Area of Expertise

Summary Description: Provide livestock expertise and be responsible for developing             educational program activities in a multi-county area. Maintain a level of expertise that complements Michigan's                industry mission and goals. Focuses are:

1. being an educator
2. an information provider
3. a needs assessor
4. a problem solving resource for clientele and
5. networking with industry, specialists and other            Expertise Educators.

General Responsibilities:

1. Develop professional leadership based on technical competence within the multi-county area.
   
   
2. Work with            producers and industry representatives to develop action plans that service their industry and communities improve production, profitability and contribute to environmentally sound operations.
   
   
3. Develop educational programs based on local/industry priorities and coordinate                 Extension programming with and through County Extension Directors and/or Extension Agricultural Educators and respective industry representatives. Coordinate efforts with members of  the              Team (other           Expertise Educators and Michigan State University specialists) and Educators representing other areas of expertise in assigned multi-county area.
   
   
4. Be actively involved in multi-county/state networking involving MSU faculty/staff and the               industry. Assess clientele/industry needs for new technology and research. Work as a member of the                     Team to develop and implement statewide program efforts coordinated through the                 Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (ANRC).
   
   
5. Identify and cooperative with relevant organizations, agencies and institutions that deliver educational information pertinent to                    farm management.
   
   
6. Maintain a flow of current research-based information to the                   industry.
   
   
7. Facilitate applied research and on-farm demonstrations pertinent to              profitability in cooperation with MSU researchers and Extension specialists utilizing available resources.
   
   
8. Work with Extension specialists and other Educators to develop and implement project proposals in high priority areas and to help bridge any gaps between research and implementation.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Teaching the basics of                 / farm management including:  Herd management and use of herd management information; financial management and business analysis; housing and facilities; manure and effluent management; nutrition; labor management; herd health and reproductive physiology; policy awareness (laws and regulations) by employing workshops, short courses, tours, demonstrations and other appropriate teaching methods.
   
   
2. Work with members of the               Team on statewide programming efforts.
   
   
3. Plan, organize, conduct, evaluate, and participate in meetings, seminars, tours, short courses and other educational programs for Michigan              producers.
   
   
4. Help                  producers evaluate their businesses, analyze and solve problems, and integrate new technology to enhance profitability and sustainability of their operations.
   
   
5. Work closely with appropriate MSU departments, the                 Team,           ANRC, and local advisory groups to identify and prioritize issues, problems and opportunities.
   
   
6. Communicate                    research and educational needs through the           ANRC to MSU researchers and Extension specialists and assist them in meeting the expressed needs.
   
   
7. Foster communication among                producers, marketers, processors, and consumers.
   
   
8. Use farm and business visits as a means to remain knowledgeable of specific local needs and problems related to               farming and the help implement current recommendations.
   
   
9. Identify potential industry leaders and help develop their capacity to accomplish community and industry goals.
   
   
10. Cooperate with public and private organizations and individuals that share Extension's mission and objectives.
    
    
11. Prepare and distribute educational/informational materials. Develop and use a variety of media methods to meet local needs.
    
    
12. Prepare educational initiatives and reports as required by Michigan State University Extension. Coordinate plans of work with the               Team and other Educators and offices in the multi-county area.
    
    
13. Provide leadership in studying and appraising the general agricultural situation within the multi-county area.
    
    
14. Implement Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Affirmative Action policies.
    
    
15. Actively participate in relevant conferences and inservice/ professional development activities to improve skills as an educator and as a technical expert.
    
    
16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Master's Degree in                              production, or farm management and a minimum of three years Cooperative Extension Service or comparable commercial or public agency experience preferred OR a Bachelor's Degree and extensive experience beyond three years. (If hired with a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree must be obtained within approximately five years). Demonstrated effective leadership ability. Demonstrated ability to work with industry leaders. Effective human relations and communication skills. Analytical and logical capacity that can be expressed in an applied manner for practical problem solving. Computer-related skills. 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. Handicappers have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.