PROFESSIONAL AIDE OPPORTUNITY/Program Coordinator
Biochar Extension and Outreach Program
Part-time/hourly
Post Date: June 16, 2021, accepting applications
Unit: Biochar Extension and Outreach Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University
Position description: Part-time/hourly - The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU) is seeking a highly motivated Program Coordinator for a new Biochar Extension and Outreach Program. The Coordinator will play a key role in building a community around biochar in Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
The Coordinator will consult with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and Extension professionals to develop, conduct, and coordinate information and Extension activities about biochar. Topics may span the full range of the biochar life cycle, including feedstocks, production, characterization, application, and ecological, social, economic, and policy implications.
Biochar is an emerging technology with potential to benefit agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Biochar used as a soil amendment can help increase crop productivity, remediate degraded or contaminated land, and contribute to improving surface water quality. It can create new financial opportunities or energy savings when co-produced with bioenergy. Interest in biochar has been growing steadily in the Great Lakes region, but weak standardization for production or application in the US leaves consumers vulnerable to contradictory or misleading recommendations, while also failing to provide guidance for biochar producers that could increase their products’ effectiveness.
The Program Coordinator will play a key role in improving access to regionally-relevant information about biochar and in strengthening connections across the full range of biochar stakeholder groups.
The Coordinator will be supervised by Dr. Jessica Miesel and responsible for communicating with and reporting to the overall project team. With consultation with disciplinary experts on the project team, the Coordinator’s specific responsibilities will include:
1. Developing the content and organization for an online biochar information resource center to centralize and disseminate regionally relevant biochar information;
2. Conducting a social network analysis for the Great Lakes region to identify current biochar stakeholders, assess existing interactions, determine and prioritize stakeholder needs, and identify opportunities for developing and strengthening interactions among stakeholders (individuals and groups);
3. Developing Extension and outreach products and events to address the needs and opportunities identified from the survey and social network analysis described above; and
4. Evaluating effectiveness of all programming.
Required qualifications: The successful candidate will have: an earned BS degree (graduate degree preferred, or at least two years of relevant work experience) with proven experience developing outreach, educational, and/or Extension-type products and events.
Knowledge and experience related to sustainability topics is strongly preferred. The successful candidate will have a track record of excellent written and oral communication skills; outstanding interpersonal skills including ability to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholder groups and disciplinary experts; proven ability to work well independently and collaboratively; and demonstrated ability to successfully initiate, manage, and complete quality projects.
Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in project and/or program management. A valid US driver’s license is required.
Lcation and position details: This is a part-time, hourly position available for two years (averaging 19 hours weekly over the course of each year), with potential for extension depending on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position offers a highly flexible work schedule for outstanding applicants. The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA.
Occasional short-term travel in Michigan to meet with stakeholders is expected. Remote work may be possible and preference should be indicated in the cover letter.
To Apply: Apply online at https://jobs.msu.edu to position number 713836. Upload the following required documents as a single PDF:
1) a letter of interest detailing qualifications for the position and how it relates to your professional interests
2) resume or curriculum vitae
3) a list of 3 professional references with contact information (institution, email address, phone number)
4) three samples of professional products (e.g. Extension article or other non-technical product on a scientific topic, educational product, website developed, etc.).
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Review of applications will begin 12 July 2021. Desired start date is in mid-August 2021 but flexibility may be possible and availability should be indicated in the application cover letter.
Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Miesel.
MSU is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from, and nominations of, women, persons of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other individuals who can contribute to the intellectual diversity and cultural richness at Michigan State University.