Farm Operations Support / Labor Aide/Off-Campus

Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period. Michigan State University Extension helps people improve their lives by bringing the vast knowledge resources of MSU directly to individuals, communities, and businesses. Tollgate Farm and Education Center is a working educational farm in Novi, Michigan, providing hands-on programming in agriculture, sustainability, and environmental education. This role requires a high level of reliability, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. This position is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on, outdoor work who enjoy problem-solving and have an aptitude for general maintenance, repairs, and working with tools and equipment.

Duties: Assist with general groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, snow removal, and basic property maintenance. Support weed management and routine upkeep of farm and public spaces. Assist with trash collection and maintaining cleanliness of facilities and grounds. Provide support during volunteer group workdays, including setup and task assistance. Assist with event setup and breakdown as needed. Support seasonal farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and general labor. May be asked to assist with animal handling and routine animal care. Assist staff with miscellaneous operational needs as they arise.

Desired Qualifications: Mechanical aptitude and experience with general maintenance, equipment repair, basic carpentry, construction, or other skilled trades. Interest in agriculture, environmental education, or outdoor work. Ability to perform physical work outdoors in varying conditions. Flexible availability, including evening and weekend availability. Proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences. Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards. Combination of education and specific, relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural and economic diversity of the target population served. Effective oral and written communication skills. Transportation is the responsibility of the employee. Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.).Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position. Required application materials: Resume, Cover Letter, 3 Professional References

Hours: Up to 19 hours a week. Flexible, as needed scheduling based on operational demand. Seasonal changes may cause hours to change from season to season.

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.