Overview
Utah State University Extension invites applications for a County Extension faculty, 12 month, professional practice position. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs to enhance quality of life for youth and adults. Extension faculty also recruit, train and supervise volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local clientele, other resource agencies, and Utah State University administrators, faculty, and programs. This Extension position is based at Wetlands Discovery Point, a center of the Utah State University Botanical Center (USUBC) in Kaysville, UT. The position will be dedicated to water quality, wetlands and watersheds, and other water related Extension STEM and natural resources programming. The individual hired will coordinate and evaluate existing water quality and wetland outreach programs, as well as develop and assess new programs, displays, and other opportunities. Wetland Discovery Point is accessible to Utah’s population centers along the Wasatch Front and provides many opportunities to develop additional monitoring programs and displays, as well as host educational programs and field trips. Though this position will be based at the USUBC, it will also provide programming for and from other Extension Centers and statewide, as appropriate. The position is administered by the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and will report directly to the Director of this Department.
The estimated start date for the position is April 22, 2024.
Appointment opportunities include Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor (non-tenure track). At minimum, a Bachelor’s degree and substantial professional experience is required for the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor. A Master’s degree is preferred.
Responsibilities
Promote watershed, water quality, and wetlands education and outreach in the state of Utah, both onsite at the USUBC and off site. Coordinate and facilitate training opportunities for:
- Formal and informal educators on the use of hands-on curricula (i.e. Stream Side Science and the Wonders of Water Discover 4-H curriculum).
- Wings and Water Naturalist Guides on facilitation and informational content.
- Utah Water Watch (UWW) volunteers on monitoring and exploration and monitoring opportunities.
- Community events involving watershed and water quality messages and activities, including: water fairs, field days, 4-H camps, other summer programs and camps;
- Develop enhanced outreach opportunities at the USUBC and Wetland Discovery Point to highlight water issues and to provide monitoring and other experiences that enhance understanding and interest in stewardship.
- Provide oversight and management for the USUBC and Wetland Discovery Point ponds and wetland ecosystems.
- Provide leadership in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to continue and expand the offerings provided through the Wings and Water Program.
- Document impacts of programming and respond to new and emerging needs.
- Develop additional partnerships and employ innovative approaches to reach clientele and new audiences.
- Work directly with the Extension Water Quality Specialist and other campus based Extension Specialists.
- In partnership with the on campus Extension Water Quality Specialist, provide leadership either as P.I. or Co P.I. for the 319 grant funds provided by the United States
- Environmental Protection Agency through the Utah Department of Water Quality.
Work with on-campus Extension Specialists and faculty in the Watershed Sciences Department to develop applied research projects and develop and deliver programs to clientele. - Pursue internal and external funding to support related Extension programming.
- Document impacts and produce scholarly publications based on related Extension programming.
- Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
- Assist in marketing programs and program recruitment.
- Serve diverse audiences and support the civil rights mandate of Utah State University Extension.
- Serve and collaborate with other Extension and University personnel, community and government agencies, and stakeholders.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Watershed Sciences, Natural Resources Education, or other related fields plus substantial professional experience teaching in an environmental science field (formal or informal)
- Ability to plan, organize and direct educational programs
- Experience teaching adult and youth audiences
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Must have access to reliable transportation to and from work site(s)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Watershed Sciences, Natural Resources Education, or other related fields
- Experience in environmental education
- Experience with program development and delivery related to watershed sciences
- Experience in water quality monitoring (chemical, biological, physical)
- Experience creating and developing curriculum
- A strong understanding of local water quality/watershed stakeholder resources and programming
- Familiarity with USU Botanical Center
- Prior experience with the Land Grant University System
- Familiarity with The Nature Conservancy’s Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Skills and experience with grant writing
- Skills and experience with recruiting, supervising, and working with volunteers
- Skills and experience with low income and under-served audiences
- Skills and experience with urban audiences
- Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish
- Skills and experience with social media
- Skills and experience with position-related organization/agencies and fostering positive relationships with community stakeholders
- Skills and experience working with the public school system in Utah
- Prior experience with the Land Grant University System
Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
- Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV”
- Cover letter to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in theCandidate Profile under “Documents 1-10
- Transcripts to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Documents 1-10
**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**
Advertised Salary
Commensurate with education and experience, plus excellent benefits
ADA
The environment and physical requirements may change depending on the specific function of the work each department performs. Incumbents may be in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Indoors, in an office space, event space, or public space are protected from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes. Incumbents may nearly continuously sit and often use repetitive hand motion (such as typing).
Outdoors, incumbents may not be protected from weather conditions and may be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold. Bending, crawling, and crouching may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift, push, and/or pull objects up to 50 pounds and be required to walk and/or stand for long periods of time.
College/Department Highlights
Utah State University (http://www.usu.edu) is Utah’s Land-Grant Institution with an approximate enrollment of 28,000 students. Through the Extension system, the University extends research-based information across the state. Extension faculty support elected officials and citizens in all 29 Utah counties.
University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant and space-grant university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion. USU serves approximately 27,500 students throughout the state at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online has served students from all 50 states and 55 countries for over 25 years, and USU Extension provides outreach and service to all counties in Utah.
As a land-grant university, USU engages communities and empowers people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. As an R1 research institution, USU provides a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price. Washington Monthly has consistently ranked USU in the top 10 among public universities for contribution to social mobility, research, and public service.
Utah State is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where different perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Learn more about USU.
The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu.
About the Region
U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation.
*updated 7/2023
Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.
The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
*updated 09/2023
