Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Edtech.com's Summary

Michigan State University is hiring a Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term to manage the partnership between the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology and Kirtland Community College. The role involves academic advising, course instruction, and outreach activities focused on the Forest Technology program to support student success and program growth.

Highlights

Advise students on academic planning and support retention strategies.
Teach courses including new student seminars and professional internships.
Recruit students and cultivate relationships with agricultural industry and community stakeholders.
Maintain and engage an advisory board with diverse community members.
Collaborate with Kirtland Community College staff on course logistics and off-campus programs.
Participate in program evaluations to assess learning outcomes and workforce needs.
Required education: Master’s degree in Forest Technology or related agricultural field.
Work within the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology in partnership with Kirtland Community College.
Full-time fixed term faculty position within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term Full Description

Position Summary

Responsibilities include:

Academic Advising (30%)

Advise current students on academic planning that satisfies program requirements.
Facilitate retention strategies that support student success.
Provide general support and encouragement that meets student academic and campus life needs.
Serve as advisor for student groups and organizations.
Review Enhancing Academic Success Early (EASE) reports to identify struggling students and respond accordingly.

Course Instruction (30%)

Teach at a minimum the new student seminar course and professional internship.
Teach required program courses or elective courses in career development, leadership, communications, or other areas based on education and experience.
Help identify instructors for course offerings.
Work with KCC staff to secure classroom space and meeting locations.
Provide support to local instructors including materials, facilities, and organization of off-campus field trips.
Participate in program evaluation that assesses learning outcomes and industry workforce needs.

Outreach (40%)

Recruit new students to maintain optimal enrollment levels.
Implement a student recruitment plan that utilizes multiple strategies to reach various target audiences.
Foster a working relationship with the agricultural industry, high school counselors and teachers and diverse community stakeholders.
Maintain an advisory board with diverse members from the community and hold a minimum of bi-annual update meetings.
Assist with the exploration and development of new off-campus programs and courses in partnership with KCC.
Represent IAT at local events and select university committees or meetings.

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 Degree

Masters -Forest Technology or similar

Minimum Requirements

Masters in Forest Technology or Agricultural related field

Required Application Materials

Resume

Cover Letter

3 References

Special Instructions

Please submit your application through carrers.msu.edu. If you have any questions, please contact Justin Kunkle at kunkleju@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

02/17/2026

Website

iat.msu.edu

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Original Job Description