Specialist - Outreach-Continuing

Position Summary The Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University (MSU) invites applications for a full-time, 12-month, Specialist - Outreach (continuing system) with an appointment of 45% Extension, 30% research, 20% teaching, and 5% service. Extension and applied research efforts are expected to result in peer-reviewed and industry-relevant outputs, competitive extramural funding, and documented stakeholder impact consistent with Academic Specialist continuing-system expectations. The position has an anticipated start date of January 1, 2027. The successful candidate will develop an integrated Extension and applied research program to serve stakeholders within the Michigan sheep and goat industries. The candidate will also lead teaching efforts in small ruminant science in support of undergraduate programs within the Department of Animal Science. The successful candidate will work with the Michigan sheep and goat industries and MSU colleagues, across colleges, and Extension work teams to identify stakeholder needs; conduct applied research that addresses those needs; and develop education and decision-support programs that translate research into practice. The candidate will have the autonomy to develop an integrated Extension and applied research focus that may include nutrition, animal health and welfare, physiology, product quality, environmental impacts, or economics. Programming will serve both large- and small-scale sheep and goat producers and allied industries. The candidate will be expected to secure extramural funding and will have the opportunity to mentor undergraduate workers and graduate students, and collaborate with MSU faculty and Extension educators to deliver programs with clear outcomes and impact evaluation. The individual will provide leadership for statewide Extension efforts, working with Extension educators and work teams, campus specialists, the Michigan Sheep Producers Association (MSPA), and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to address emerging issues facing Michigan's small ruminant industries. Additionally, the candidate will be required to attend MSU Fall Extension Conference and the affiliated MSU Extension Institute Conference. Further, the candidate will be required to work with MSU Extension Educators to utilize PEARS, the Program Evaluation and Reporting System, to report on work and make plans. The successful candidate is expected to remain current on sheep and goat production research, through an ongoing professional development plan, and to facilitate, conduct, and participate in applied research on issues important to the small ruminant industry and deliver those results and relevant findings from MSU and partner institutions through the individual's Extension program. A resident flock of 250 Polypay × Dorset cross ewes are maintained at the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center, which encompasses a modern lambing facility and approximately 25 acres available for grazing. The facility can house up to 300 ewes at one time with feed bunks utilized for total mixed rations. The lambing facility is heated to optimize sheep health and productivity and to support teaching and research programs during the winter months. The unit also has facilities for feed storage, ram housing, and additional indoor pens to house weaned lambs or replacement ewe lambs. Grazing infrastructure includes a pasture watering system and subdivision fencing to allow for management intensive grazing. The teaching assignment includes an annual undergraduate 200-level introductory sheep management course, and a 400-level advanced small ruminant management course taught every other year, with additional opportunities for guest lecturing. The candidate will be supported in developing hands-on, experiential learning components using MSU and commercial facilities. The successful candidate must possess effective co