Duties include day to day fruit, vegetables, small fruit, and other specialty crop research-related farming operations at the Southwest Michigan and Extension Center located in Benton Harbor, MI. Will work closely with the research coordinator and center staff to create a positive environment that supports research and extension activities. Responsibilities include carrying out general farm operations and assisting with the following: implementation, management, budgets, and maintenance of all projects, ensuring accurate record keeping of land use and field operations, overseeing maintenance of building and equipment, fabrication of special equipment, preparation of research plots and facilities for field days, tours and workshops, coordinating harvest of excess crops, interviewing, hiring and supervision of temporary staff, regular interaction with MSU administration personnel, the center coordinator, faculty, extension educators, research technicians, graduate students, vendors, associated boards and committees, and Michigan fruit and vegetable growers.

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which is normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Horticulture, Agriculture and/or Crop and Soil Science; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in supervision, management, crop production and live stock management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and a Pesticide Applicators license.

Desired Qualifications

Three to five years of related work experience in specialty crop (fruit and vegetable) held production and knowledge of farm equipment. Two or more years work educational experience with fruit and vegetable crop pest management practices. Experience working with environmental and occupational health regulatory issues is desired. Ability to speak Spanish is desired but not required. Valid Michigan driver’s license is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter and resume

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

Working conditions include exposure to adverse weather conditions. The job requires heavy physical exertion including lifting and moving equipment and harvested crops of over 50 pounds. Must be able to tolerate heights.

Summary of Health Risks

Requires pesticide applicators certification to be obtained within two months of hire.