Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
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In alignment with the mission, programs and initiatives of MSU Extension, delivers research-based information to program participants through various methods and/or provides support and coordination of MSU Extension programs.
Unit Position Summary
Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, which requires all staff to contribute toward a vision for success regardless of title or position within the organization. We strive to create a positive culture, access to resources, and a sense of belonging for staff, partners, and programming participants. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:
- We work together to ensure that programming is available to all audiences, creates meaningful and positive impacts for participants, and demonstrates partnership and collaboration across communities.
- We understand that a welcoming and respectful environment is built through the efforts of everyone.
- We foster an environment that welcomes a broad range of perspectives and experiences, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
- We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and supportive culture.
- We foster an environment that values a range of perspectives, skills, and experiences by working to ensure access to programming for communities.
- We commit to continuous learning and engagement to better serve Michigan residents and meet the evolving needs of communities.
- We recognize that broad accessibility and collaboration are essential elements of our work and are vital to organizational and programmatic success.
- We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching, and feedback toward achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
- Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
Position Summary:
MSU Extension is seeking candidates to join our summer day camp team in Novi, Michigan. During the summer, MSU Tollgate Farm offers summer enrichment programming that includes educational day camps for young people in grades K-12. The summer camp programs give campers the chance to explore the food system from planting to harvesting.
As part of the educational staff, this position is responsible for leading daily kitchen activities for Summer Farm Camp. The Garden Kitchen Leader will use fresh, healthy foods to plan recipes and lead young people in preparing their own tasty and nutritious snacks while promoting MSU Tollgate's mission. We are seeking staff with a background in one or more of the following areas: education, food science, nutrition, culinary arts, agricultural science, incorporating math and literature in the kitchen, cooperative games, and music.
This is an 11-week position with one week of training prior to the start of camp. It runs June 8-August 28. There is no camp the week of June 29-July 3.
For more information about Summer Farm Camp at MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, visit our webpage at https://www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate/camps/
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implement experiential food science curriculum and program for students of various ages at appropriate levels using research-based methods.
• Lead and teach cooking with healthy foods at summer day camp.
• Plan recipes for every day of summer camp.
• Plan recipes with awareness of food allergies/restrictions of campers.
• Observe behavior in daily camp life, encourage positive social interactions between campers, and deal appropriately with any improper behavior
• Maintain the cleanliness of all kitchen equipment, facilities, and camper eating area.
• Be responsible for the safety of campers, teen volunteers, fellow staff, and self.
• Respond appropriately to health, safety, and any camper concerns, including food allergens.
• Attend in-service training.
• Work with camp staff to plan activities.
• Organize, assemble, and be responsible for equipment needed for instruction.
• Communicate with parents, the public, and MSUE staff appropriately.
• Assume any task or responsibility necessary for a successful camp operation as assigned by the camp director.
Desired Qualifications
- Be comfortable with and/or interested in: food science, cooking, nutrition, health sciences, culinary arts.
- Experience cooking and preparing food.
- Current ServSafe certificate is preferred.
- Be comfortable and interested in working with elementary, middle, and high school-aged youth.
- Past experience working with youth in formal or informal settings (school, nature center, summer camp, scouts, etc.).
- Demonstrated knowledge of the natural world.
- Ability to work willingly in all weather (including summer heat and/or rain).
- Ability to be physically active for an 8-hour day.
- Demonstrate commitment, reliability, punctuality, and responsible behavior at previous positions.
- Possess current CPR/First Aid certification (not required).
- Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities, and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
- Understanding of and ability to implement Civil Rights principles and compliance standards.
- Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 50 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.
- 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.
- Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to audiences/communities representative of the communities we serve, and proven ability in establishing and working with a network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences.
- 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.
- 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.
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
