Job of The Week: Greenhouse Coordinator

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Greenhouse Coordinator for MSU AgBioResearch (job posting 985817). MSU AgBioResearch is seeking an experienced professional to play a huge role in the Plant Science Research Greenhouse at Michigan State University. If you are interested in overseeing the care and maintenance of greenhouse facilities, this may be the role for you!

MSU AgBioResearch engages in innovative and leading-edge research that generates economic prosperity, sustains natural resources, and enhances the quality of life not only in Michigan, but around the world. With approximately 300 researchers from 6 colleges across MSU, AgBioResearch prioritizes food safety and security, climate adaptation, water conservation, resilient and profitable agriculture and natural resource systems, and more. 

Michigan State University greenhouses are home to over 100,000 square feet of research space and serve over 70 faculty across eight different academic departments at MSU. In this role, you would oversee all maintenance at the greenhouses and advise researchers on the use of greenhouse facilities and plant care. The MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension work together to make discoveries in the area of genomics, breeding, pest management, and disease management, as well as reaching out to growers to learn about the most recent findings. This would be another part to oversee in your role of Greenhouse Coordinator. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a four-year degree in horticulture and up to three years of similar or more advanced work in greenhouses and supervising. This role may also require certification as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator before the end of the applicable trial.

Learn more about MSU AgBioResearch here. To learn more about the position or if you are interested in applying online, visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information! Applications require a resume, cover letter, three professional references and should be submitted by October 1st. 

Job of the Week: Social Worker

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as a Social Worker for MSU’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) with University Health and Wellbeing (job posting 988182). CAPS is seeking a full-time outpatient therapist to provide evidence-based, short-term therapeutic interventions to students. You will play a large role in supporting students in groups and one-on-one therapy sessions. 

The mission of Michigan State University’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services is to connect students with the most available and appropriate care and services to optimize their health and wellbeing. CAPS works under University Health and Wellbeing, whose purpose is to support the MSU community with health and wellbeing equitably woven throughout all aspects of staff and student campus life. CAPS and University Health and Wellbeing are working together to improve the overall health of our campus, staff, and students.

In this position, you will provide crisis response services, participate in CAPS training, facilitate group therapy, and serve students experiencing significant psychopathology. You will provide multiculturally responsive and evidence-based individual and group services, as well as single-session crisis intervention to students in need on campus. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a degree in Social Work and one to three years of related work experience in a counseling/mental health environment. You will also need a State certification of Social Work, and ACSW may be required to provide primary supervision of social work to students. You should also have experience in an interdisciplinary setting with a diverse college student population from various multicultural backgrounds.

Learn more about MSU CAPS here and about University Health and Wellbeing here. To learn more about the position or if you are interested in applying online, visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information! Applications require a resume, letter of interest, a proof of licensure, and are due by September 24th. 

Nominate a Deserving Support Staff Employee for one of these Prestigious Awards!

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We are excited to be seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards!

All award nominations are due Friday, November 8, 2024.

Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award

The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Last year’s recipient was Meg Quine, Office Coordinator in the MSU Alumni Office. Learn more about the award on the web page, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award

This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. Last year’s recipient was Lori Fischer, Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Learn more about the award on the web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to Ray Gasser at gasserra@msu.edu by November 8.

Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award

This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. Criteria for selection of recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Last year’s recipients were Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, and Darwin Meirndorf. Learn more about the award on the web page, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and return to serviceawards@hr.msu.edu by November 8. 

We appreciate your time and effort in submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. The awards committees look forward to learning about these outstanding employees!

The MSU Benefits Fair will be on October 3 from Noon to 7 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center. The HR Site Labs will be on the following dates, times, and locations: There will be a virtual site lab on October 16, a site lab at the international center on October 22, and a site lab at the HR building on October 31.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

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With the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period rapidly approaching (October 1–31), you may have questions about your benefit options for the 2025 plan year. We are ready to answer your questions and help you enroll in your 2025 benefit options.

Mark your calendars and join us at the following events!

MSU Benefits Fair

Visit the fair to enroll in your benefits on-site or speak with MSU benefit providers and HR staff. The MSU Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only.

When:

  • Benefits Fair: Thursday, October 3 from Noon to 7:00 p.m.
  • Flu Shots: MSU Pharmacy will provide flu shots from Noon to 5:00 p.m. by appointment only.

Where:

The MSU Benefits Fair will be held at the Breslin Student Events Center Concourse. Learn more about the MSU Benefits Fair on the HR website, including how to make an appointment for your flu shot, parking information, and participating providers.

HR Site Labs

MSU HR will be available to answer questions and help you enroll in your benefits at the following site labs.

When and Where:

  • October 16 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Virtual (see the HR Site Lab webpage for virtual link)
  • October 22 | 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | International Center, 427 N. Shaw Ln, Spartan Rooms B and C, East Lansing, MI 48824
  • October 31 | 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | HR Building, 1407 S. Harrison Rd, Room 125, East Lansing, MI 48823

Learn more about the HR Site Labs on the HR website, including directions, parking information, and how to join the virtual site lab.

As always, you can find information about all things Open Enrollment on the HR website. In addition to the events above, the HR Solutions Center is available to answer your questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).

Time to Choose Your Benefits for 2025: Your Open Enrollment Checklist

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October is just around the corner, which means the MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period (October 1-31) is about to begin for benefit-eligible employees. Please use the following checklist to help guide you through Open Enrollment and be sure to make your benefit selections for the 2025 plan year between October 1-31.

1. Determine your benefit needs.

During Open Enrollment (October 1-31), you may enroll in, change, or cancel coverage in the following benefits:

  • Health
  • Dental
  • Flexible spending accounts (health or dependent care)
  • Life or accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Voluntary vision, legal, or critical illness insurance.

Carefully review your Open Enrollment guide and choose the best benefit plans for your family. You may not change the above benefits outside of the Open Enrollment period unless you have a qualifying life event, so review your options and take action in October.

2. Complete the spouse or other eligible individual (OEI) Affidavit.

If you want to cover a spouse or OEI on your health care plan in 2025, you MUST complete the Affidavit online through the EBS Portal every Open Enrollment period. Find instructions to complete the affidavit as part of Open Enrollment. After completing Open Enrollment in the EBS Portal you will receive a confirmation email statement. To receive the confirmation email, you must complete all the Open Enrollment prompts in the EBS Portal and then review and save your plan selections (even if you made no changes); you cannot simply answer the affidavit question and exit the portal.

3. Review important reminders for the 2025 plan year.

While there are no significant changes to your benefit plan options for the 2025 plan year, we encourage you to review important reminders on page 6 of your Open Enrollment guide.

4. Participate in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab.

  • MSU Benefits Fair: We will have an in-person benefits fair on Thursday, October 3 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Breslin Student Events Center on campus. MSU benefit providers and HR staff will be available to answer questions or help you enroll in your benefits on-site. 

    The MSU Health Care Pharmacy will offer flu shots during the fair between Noon and 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. The appointment calendar (managed by MSU Health Care Pharmacy) will close when all appointments are filled or 72 hours before the event. Make an appointment here.
  • HR Site Labs: MSU HR will offer site labs on October 16 (virtual), October 22 (in-person at the International Center), and October 31 (in-person at the HR building). Consider attending if you have questions about your benefit options or need assistance with enrollment. 

5. Make your changes online before October 31.

You must participate in Open Enrollment between October 1-31 (view enrollment instructions) to change your benefit selections or cover a spouse or OEI on your benefit plans.

We hope this checklist is helpful as you prepare for and participate in Open Enrollment this year. You can find all the details about Open Enrollment on the HR website, including links to the appropriate Open Enrollment guide, enrollment instructions, and detailed benefits information from our providers.

Questions? We’re happy to help! We encourage you to attend the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab to ask questions. You may also contact the HR Solutions Center at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).

Job of the Week: On-Call Technical Aide

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting for an on-call Technical Aide with the MSU College of Human Medicine and the Mott Department of Public Health (job posting 984176). MSUCHM is seeking a Community Health Worker to assist with a clinical trial to evaluate the MI MOM app, supporting pregnant and postpartum women. You will play a large role supporting patients and assisting with technical operations.

The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine is dedicated to educating exemplary physicians, discovering new knowledge, and providing service both at home and abroad. By providing outstanding care and promoting the inclusion and needs of all people, the College of Human Medicine fosters an environment that enhances their community. The Mott Department of Public Health focuses on the population’s health from its home base in Flint, Michigan, and its mission is to eliminate health disparities in diverse populations with the ultimate goal of attaining the highest level of health for all individuals and groups.

In this position, you would provide online patient support through live chat sessions, develop location-based resource lists, and maintain connections with local agencies. You will also facilitate appointments, conduct home visits, and find resources such as transportation all while doing so in a respectful manner, handling sensitive subjects with kindness and compassion. You may also be in charge of data entry and collection. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a high school diploma, experience working with clients in pregnancy and postpartum, and strong computer and technological skills. It is also important that you have a current Community Health Worker certificate, strong communication skills, respectful problem-solving abilities, and excellent organizational skills. 


Learn more about the MSU College of Human Medicine here and about the Mott Department of Public Health here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information! Applications require a resume and cover letter, and should be submitted by September 30th.

Job of the Week: Director of Production for College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Job of the Week: Director of Production

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This week, MSU Human Resources is featuring a job posting as the Director of Production for Broadcasting Services at the MSU College of Communication Arts & Sciences (job posting 984215). If you are interested in managing studio and field television and video production, serving both local and global audiences, providing leadership and supervision to Producers and Production staff, this could be the job for you! You will play a huge role at WKAR and oversee high-quality public media production. 

WKAR public media is a part of Michigan State’s Broadcasting Services, a division of MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. This includes WKAR TV, WKAR Radio, WKAR.org, WKAR Digital Studios, and WKAR Family. WKAR’s mission is to connect people to powerful ideas that inspire growth, exploration of our world and powerful change. 

This role’s main responsibilities include leading and supervising the team of production staff, implementing production strategies that align with the station’s goals, managing WKAR production schedules, preparing and monitoring budgets and contracts, and working closely with other departments to ensure there is a unified approach to content creation and distribution. You will also need to stay updated with industry trends, introduce new ideas and methods to enhance production and work with the Senior Director of Operations to maintain and identify necessary technologies and equipment needed for successful department operations. 

The education, experience and skills desired for this role include a four-year degree in Telecommunications, Communication, TV broadcasting, film, or a similar field, as well as three to five years of progressively more responsible and related work in a broadcasting unit. You should also have experience working in public media, monitoring interns, advanced communication skills, strong customer and community commitment, and a record of strong project management. All of these skills would collectively prepare you for the role of the Director of Production for WKAR TV and Radio. 

Learn more about WKAR TV and Radio here. To learn more about this position or if you are interested in applying online, please visit the Careers @ MSU website for more information! Applications require a resume and a cover letter, and should be submitted by September 10th.

September Events Round-Up

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If you and your family are looking for activities in the upcoming month, you’ve come to the right place. September holds many virtual and in-person opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you to check out. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required.

Campus Events

September 7: Family Day: PAINT: Join us at the MSU Broad Art Museum from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Family Day. You and your family can pick up a paintbrush and create paintings inspired by the artwork of Samia Halaby: Eye Witness. Registration is required for this free event. 

September 9: Monday Night Open House: Visit the MSU Bug House in the Natural Science Building for a bug-themed evening! From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., come to room 147 to meet live insects and arachnids from around the world. Visit our website for directions! 

September 29: Collage Making for Liberation with Rebel Betty: From 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., join Chicago-based artist Rebel Betty for a collage-making workshop at the MSU Broad Art Museum. Explore the exhibit in collaboration with Diasporic Collage: Puerto Rico and the Survival of a People, and be sure to register for this free event.

Learning Opportunities

September 12 & 26: Deepening Your Essential Skills: If you have completed a Spartan Resilience Education course, you are eligible to continue learning at this webinar. Here you can ask questions, raise topics, and build community with your peers. Be sure to register for this free course through the link above! 

Family Friendly Events

September 12: BealFest2024: The Apple of MSU’s Eye: Come to the Beal Botanical Garden from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to attend their annual fall celebration. This year’s theme highlights trees, and the event will include activities, performances, demonstrations, and trees to adopt for everyone. More information to come, so stay tuned!

September 13: 1920s Murder Mystery Dinner: Michigan Princess is hosting a brand new and immersive Murder Mystery Dinner experience from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy live music, interactive murder mystery entertainment, buffet-style dinner, and more all while cruising down the Grand River. The roaring twenties theme allows you to immerse yourself in the experience and play your own unique storyline for the evening. Tickets are $85/person and can be purchased at the link above. 

September 14: Lansing Princess Day: Experience a fun-filled day with your favorite princesses at Lansing Princess Day at the Ramada Lansing Hotel. Here you can experience 10 performances and activities with your little ones, including a meet-and-greet session with photos, hugs, and autographs. This event runs for approximately 90 minutes and all guests must purchase a ticket to attend. Little ones are encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess. Be sure to purchase your tickets soon, and check out the website for more information. 

September 19–22: 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival: Join us for a weekend of celebration this Hispanic Heritage Month for a weekend of fun, education, and entertainment in the Downtown District of Michigan’s State Capital! Come observe the largest display of Hispanic cultures, art, food, music, dancing, and more. On Saturday, September 21, the main event “A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Festival,” will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will be closing the 100 and 200 blocks of Downtown Lansing. Check out the website for more details and parking information. 

Farmers Markets

Farmer’s markets are beloved events in many local communities allowing us an opportunity to support local farmers and small businesses and enjoy delicious produce, baked goods, and even homemade crafts and personal care items. Many Greater Lansing communities offer seasonal farmer’s markets. Find one near you at https://mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/

Open Enrollment

Save the Date for October 3: The Open Enrollment Benefits Fair is early this year on Thursday, October 3 at Breslin Center. MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and/or help employees enroll in their benefits on-site at the Breslin Student Events Center. More information will be shared closer to the event date. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details!

New Academic Year, New Professional Development Opportunities

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Fall is here, and the Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department in MSU Human Resources has spots open in the following courses to support your learning and development. All the current  Organization and Professional Development courses are on the HR website. Class enrollment is completed within the  EBS Portal, and employees may use available educational assistance funds towards course fees (if any).

Getting Things Done | Starting September 24-26 | Virtual 

This Personal Development course teaches skills needed to manage busy work days, high task demands, and interruptions that employees face on a daily basis. This will ultimately teach you how to organize incoming requests, handle stress in the workplace, decrease missed deadlines, and more in terms of personal development at work. 

Everything DiSC: Productive Conflict | August 28 | In-Person 

This course provides learners with techniques to work on self-improvement around conflicts in the workplace. After the course, you will have a better understanding of how to better recognize your own response to certain conflicts and how to curb destructive responses. Pre-work will be sent to you and will need to be completed before you take the class. 

Resilient Leadership Series | Starting October 30 | Virtual 

This four-part course will highlight essential resilience skills crucial for effective leadership, emotional intelligence, emotional resilience, psychological flexibility and mindfulness and more. Here you will develop practical grounding skills, learn about systems of power and privilege and cultural narratives in the workplace, and receive an overview of the MSU Spartan Resilience Training Program. 

Crucial Influence | Dates Coming Soon 

Targeting mid to high level-leaders responsible for leading change and improving efforts in the workplace, this last course teaches the Crucial Influence Model and explains why people do what they do. Here you will also learn how you can influence behaviors to encourage efficient teamwork and focusing on working well both as a team and as individuals. 

Job of the Week: Communications Manager I

Published on by Josh WorleyLeave a comment

This week’s featured job is a Communications Manager I for MSU’s College of Social Science in the Department of Anthropology (job posting 981948). The Department of Anthropology is seeking a Communications Manager to develop, implement, manage, and sustain a comprehensive creative communications strategy that aligns with the department’s strategic goals, increases the visibility of department activities, and enhances the department’s reputation both inside and outside the university.

In this position, you will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and alumni to translate complex information into engaging content for diverse audiences across multiple print and digital platforms and venues. Position responsibilities include but are not limited to building and sustaining a cohesive media, communications, and marketing identity as well as developing and implementing a creative media and communications strategy for print, social, and digital media. The Communications Manager will also create visual storytelling and written content for a broad range of audiences, platforms, and channels, develop compelling social media campaigns, manage existing department social media channels, grow department social media reach,  and monitor and track social media analytics and audience engagement.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Telecommunications, or Public Relations and one to three years of work experience in a related area. Experience producing creative digital and print media—including long and short-form video production, identity design, graphic design, newsletters, flyers, brochures, photography, merchandise, etc. is also required to apply. This is an in-person position with the potential for two remote days per week.To learn more, visit the College of Anthropology website. To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio to the MSU Careers website by September 17.