Sugarbeet Extension Educator

Position Overview

Michigan is the 3rd leading sugarbeet producing state in the U.S. This position is located in the heart of the sugarbeet region in Michigan. You will collaborate across work teams and Institutes, including working with faculty, specialists, and educators to achieve profitable, sustainable sugarbeet production and overall advancement for the Michigan sugarbeet industry.

Work closely with sugarbeet growers and complete educational programming related to sugarbeet production, while conducting applied research in grower fields in response to their needs and evaluating issues within their farm as well as opportunities to adopt new management techniques. This can include fertility, pest management, variety selection, and related topics facing sugarbeet growers. Work with Sugarbeet Advancement and the Michigan Sugar Company to conduct on-farm research related to topics important to sugarbeet growers, such as field scale variety trials, new chemistries for pest management, and new management practices related to improved soil health.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, and the diverse network of partner groups that include Sugarbeet Advancement, the Michigan Sugar Company, the seed industry, and allied industry. Acting as a statewide point of contact, you will provide support for the sugarbeet industry addressing various agronomic and cropping systems topics which impact sustainability and efficiency.

Although negotiable, there will be space available for this position to work from the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, Frankenmuth, Michigan. This is the sugarbeet region of Michigan and a leading row crops and dairy production region within Michigan that has great outdoor and cultural activities.

This position may be eligible to utilize a flexible work environment, however, there is an expectation to work from the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

Minimum Qualifications (see full description for complete list of requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in crops science, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, or related field must be earned by date of hire; or master’s degree in similar fields of study must be earned by date of hire.

Application Review: Begins 1/17/2024, Open Until Filled.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension employment opportunities are open to eligible/qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodations.

The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities.