[ES_JOBS_NET] Program Coordinator: Biochar Extension and Outreach

[Jessica R. Miesel]

*Program Coordinator: Biochar Extension and Outreach*

Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University



*Position description: *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 will
be 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.



*Location 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), and 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 at mieselje at msu.edu.



*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. *
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