Job ID: 356247
Location: Duluth
Job Family: Education-Extension
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Job Code: 9623
Employee Class: Acad Prof and Admin
About the Job
TITLE: Water Resources Extension Educator Assistant Extension Professor
POSITION TYPE: Full Time
LOCATION: St. Paul or Duluth
JOB OPEN DATE: 7/10/2023
JOB CLOSE DATE: Open until filled – Applications will start being reviewed on 8/14/2023
COMPENSATION: $55,000 – $85,000 Dependent on qualifications
JOB CODE: 9623
POSITION SUMMARY:
The water resources extension educator will be responsible for providing Minnesota communities with outreach and applied research about water quality of Lake Superior and Minnesota’s inland lakes and streams relevant to the University of Minnesota Sea Grant’s mission and strategic plan. Preferred candidates will have experience and knowledge relevant to pollution and water quality of Lake Superior and inland lakes and streams as well as aquatic invasive species. The water resources extension educator will develop, deliver, and evaluate extension programming relevant to water quality. The educator will work closely with other U of M Sea Grant staff, U of M Extension Educators, and Sea Grant Extension Educators across the Great Lakes region and nation who are involved in related issues. This position is supervised by the U of M Sea Grant Extension Leader.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant Extension Professor will focus their outreach and research efforts on Lake Superior and inland lake water quality, pollution prevention, remediation, and aquatic invasive species. The educator will work in cooperation with other U of M Sea Grant staff, U of M Extension staff, researchers, partner agencies and organizations to accomplish the goals relevant to their area of expertise within the Minnesota Sea Grant Strategic Plan. Work must be related to one or more of Sea Grant’s four focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.
1. U of M Sea Grant Extension and Research Duties (85%)
- Conduct periodic needs assessments among community groups (researchers, managers, public, industry, etc.) to determine program priorities. Define clear and measurable goals and objectives to address these priorities, which fit within Minnesota Sea Grant’s Strategic Plan. Evaluate, track, and report program measures and metrics.
- Develop and lead extension programs designed to deliver products and services that increase participant knowledge and understanding, and advance participants’ access to and use of resources. Programs will directly engage with relevant inland waters and Lake Superior coastal communities, natural resource managers, lake associations, businesses, and individuals, and may include workshops, training, tools, and/or other appropriate educational products and services for relevant communities.
- Conduct formative (pre) and summative (post) evaluations of programs and use results to improve and revise program products, services, and activities and assess overall program outcomes.
- Develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program in science or education related to water quality that will fund 25% of salary within three years.
- Coordinate, lead, and/or participate in statewide, Great Lakes, and national projects and programs, as appropriate and/or requested by U of M Sea Grant supervisor.
- Participate in U of M Sea Grant extension program team and/or U of M initiatives as appropriate.
2. General Administrative and Scholarship Duties (10%)
- Share and/or present results of extension and research efforts at regional or national professional events and venues.
- Complete other duties related to participating within the U of M Sea Grant organization, including but not limited to preparing reports and plans of work, writing and administering grants, serving on committees, etc.
- Participate in professional development opportunities.
- Travel overnight occasionally as required.
3. Core Duties (5%)
- Attend staff meetings and other required U of M Sea Grant meetings and events.
- Maintain shared, flex, and all office spaces in a professional manner, update computer security and virus protection software, and ensure computer files and records are backed-up on a timely basis.
- Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to staff (e.g., U of M Google calendar).
- Report activity on a regular basis using program forms, databases, or other formats as requested.
- Help write, edit, design, review, and/or produce documents critical to U of M Sea Grant such as the strategic plan, the omnibus (budget) proposal, and the annual progress report.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- A master’s degree is required. This degree must be from an accredited institution or equivalent, with emphasis on limnology, aquatic ecology or biology, environmental science with a water emphasis, environmental or natural resource planning, environmental policy or natural science fields related to lake and stream water quality.
- Demonstrated experience in communicating science to non-specialists with a record of excellent written, interpersonal, and group presentation communication skills.
- At least 2 years demonstrated experience in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating education or outreach programs for diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
- Demonstrated record of working effectively and respectfully in a team setting with staff, constituents and partners with diverse backgrounds, interests, and abilities in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
- Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience writing successful proposals and administering grants.
- PhD or five years work experience in natural/water science research and/or science outreach programming.
- Demonstrated high level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
- Demonstrated experience working with community leaders to address water-quality problems and their remediation, which could include eutrophication, harmful algae blooms, marine debris, contaminants of emerging concern, and/or aquatic invasive species prevention and remediation.
- Working knowledge of current lake and watershed monitoring and/or management techniques.
- Knowledge of, and experience with the principal aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region and the means of their spread.
- Experience in creating and publishing peer reviewed science and/or science education.
About the Department
Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Sea Grant Program, which supports 33 similar programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It receives funding through the NOAA – Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the University of Minnesota. The Program partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.
Benefits
Working at the University
At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.
The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
How To Apply
This position will remain open until filled.
Applications must be submitted online.
To apply for this position, go to http://employment.umn.edu and search for job opening 356247.
To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.
Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.
Complete applications must include:
- Cover Letter
- Current Resume
- Diversity statement (one page maximum) that addresses how you have committed yourself to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity and inclusion in your professional and or personal life and how you plan to continue this work in a position with MNSG.
- Contact information for three professional references
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact OHR Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for more information.
Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.
***Smoking and chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.***
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.
The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About the U of M
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue.
Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD’s many research institutes and labs.
