Title:Extension Educator - Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)

/ Extension Educator
Aquatic Invasive Species

Position Announcement

Program Area:Water Resources

Center:Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (AFNR)

Office Location:Extension Regional Office – Andover or St. Cloud, MN

Application Review Begins:November 13, 2015. Open until filled.

ABOUT EXTENSION

The University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Extension’s mission is: Making a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.

As one of four Extension centers, the Center for Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences brings together University experts from many disciplines to provide effective, research-based education and integrate diverse perspectives to address the complex demands put on our land and water, and develop balanced, comprehensive solutions. Because we are part of the communities we serve, we can identify needs early, set up related research as needed, and develop educational programs to bring information and training to the community.

The University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources team works with communities to address Minnesota's critical water resource issues. The team provides research-based education to ensure safe and sustainable water resources and works in a number of program areas, including storm water for decision-makers and implementers, watershed education and aquatic invasive species. The team is aligned with and part of the University of Minnesota’s Water Resources Center.

ABOUT THE MINNESOTA AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH CENTER

In 2012, the Minnesota legislature appropriated funds to create the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MAISRC’s mission is to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others. A team of faculty at MAISRC conduct cutting-edge research to develop in-depth understanding of the biology and ecology of key AIS to determine if there are weaknesses that can be targeted for control and eradication. MAISRC partners with Extension to increase public awareness of AIS, including the importance of research to AIS response, and to develop training programs to expand the state’s capacity for AIS response. The first several years of funding for this Extension Educator position and program is being provided through MAISRC.

LOCATION OF POSITION

This Aquatic Invasive Species Extension Educator will be based in the Andover or St. Cloud Regional Extension Office and serve as a member of a statewide program team that serves other regions and the entire state of Minnesota. Some clerical, technology and other support is provided by support staff in the regional Extension office, under the supervision of the office’s Regional Director. The Educator will be one of several in the regional office representing different Extension program areas, and will be expected to develop and maintain working relationships with these and other staff at the office location.

A secondary office space will also be provided at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Center on the University of Minnesota St Paul Campus to facilitate program partnership with faculty from the Center.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Extension Educator is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs that build local capacity for aquatic invasive species detection and response. These educational programs will provide training and tools to local governments, lake associations, AIS professionals, and citizens groups to prevent, detect, monitor, track, and control the establishment and spread of state-listed aquatic invasive species.

To accomplish this, the AIS Extension Educator will, in coordination with MAISRC staff and researchers, Extension colleagues, and DNR staff: 1) develop and lead a statewide citizen science program aimed at tracking AIS population changes to inform management and research, 2) contribute to a statewide citizen science program for early detection of AIS; 3) contribute to other research-based AIS programs developed in response to state needs , 4) foster partnerships with state and local governments, lake associations, AIS professionals and citizens organizations, 5) provide programming to these partners to implement on-the-ground AIS prevention, detection, monitoring and control efforts, 6) assist with development of an online data repository for collecting and reporting data generated through these prevention, detection, monitoring and control efforts 7) assist in securing funding to sustain AIS programming efforts. Training and other program delivery will include using a variety of communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to workshops, classes, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media and community coalitions.

The AIS Extension Educator will be affiliated with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) and act as a critical interface between local community groups, university scientists, and state natural resource agency managers. The AIS Extension Educator will coordinate with other Extension Educators and Specialists involved in AIS programming and with MAISRC researchers to operate as a team. The AIS Extension Educator will also coordinate communications efforts with MAISRC communications staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Education:

Assumes program leadership, education and management roles as designated and appropriate.
Designs, delivers, markets and evaluates educational and developmental programs based in scholarly/scientific theory and research appropriate for the adult learner.
Designs, adapts and delivers programs that address local and/or regional needs, including those for new, diverse and historically underserved audiences.
Uses technology to communicate, locate information, design and deliver, evaluate, and report programs and their outcomes and impacts.
Ensures that Extension programs, facilities and committees are accessible to new, diverse and historically underserved audiences.

Scholarship:

Uses and conducts scholarly/scientific research in the area of expertise as a scholar practitioner.
Continues professional development in scholarship/research and program development, and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed study, and other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.

Outreach:

Develops and maintains effective local, regional, university and state partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
Fosters and contributes to a positive work climate and effective teamwork and collaboration with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and partnerships.
Represents Extension through service on county, community, regional and/or professional boards. This will also include service to civic groups, joint Extension-agency project committees and other committees and task forces. All of these opportunities are expected to be congruent with area of expertise and professional goals and will represent no more than 5% of incumbent’s time.

Staff Development and Administrative Needs:

Assumes program support functions as needed such as contract and/or fiscal management, data-management, grant reporting, public relations and marketing with Center leaders and Regional Directors.
Secures funds and resources to support educational programs as outlined in the program business plan.
Actively participates in staff development and program team activities.
Collaborates with the Program Leader and the Director of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center to establish, evaluate and report on annual work goals, activities, impacts and outcomes that align with program area priorities and demonstrate progress on criteria associated with promotion in Extension academic rank.
Participates and succeeds in progress regarding professional performance including the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion.
Makes contributions to the six promotion in Extension academic rank criteria, program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program management and service.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

A completed Master’s degree at time of appointment. At least one degree in areas of natural resource science, environmental science, water resources, fisheries and aquatic biology, or related fields.

Experience:

Experience working in aquatic systems (lakes, rivers or wetlands)

Skills/Abilities:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to design, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs
Evidence of skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
Ability to manage conflict

Ability to work effectively with new and diverse audiences
Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work

Ability to use creativity, reasoning, past experience, information and available resources to resolve issues

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Course work in aquatic invasive species, water resources, natural resources, environmental sciences, adult education, citizen science, and/or facilitation methods
Course work in analysis of populations, biostatistics

Experience:

Experience with aquatic invasive species biology and management
Experience in working with local governments, lake associations, and citizens groups to address natural resources issues
Experience with curriculum development and teaching in formal (classroom) or informal settings
Experience with leadership and management of volunteers and/or diverse clientele
Experience in developing and administering grants
Experience in evaluating program outcomes and impacts

Skills/Abilities:

Ability to drive and tow watercraft
Ability to swim and use snorkeling equipment
SCUBA certified

BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT

The Extension Educator position has an annual University academic professional appointment and Extension academic rank. Rank is assigned at hire contingent on education and professional experience and accomplishments
The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs
The position carries Extension academic rank. Successful advancement in rank is expected and contingent on accomplishments as an Extension Educator as governed by Extension’s promotion system policies and procedures
University of Minnesota appointment and benefits, including health and life insurance. Benefits are listed on the University of Minnesota Human Resources web page:
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. Successful applicant must provide his or her own means of transportation, and carry legally required vehicle insurance
Successful applicant must provide his or her own cell phone
Salary commensurate with education and experience

TO APPLY

Job Opening ID: 305531

Please apply online:

Include the following attachments with your online application:

Vitae

Cover letter
Transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the application stage).
Names and contact information for three professional references.

First apply online and submit cover letter and resume.

To submit your transcript(s) and names and contact information online please go to:

Click on Employment

Click on “Using the Job Application System” (5th bullet on the left hand side of the screen)

Click on “My Activity” under “Application Activities”

From the drop box select: Transcripts or Reference Attachments

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION CONTACT

Naaz Babvani, Extension Human Resources 260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108 Telephone: 612-624-3717 Fax: 612-624-7749

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POSITION CONTACT

Faye Sleeper

Program Leader for the Extension Center of Food Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences

Associate Director, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center

173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Street

St. Paul, MN 55108

The University of Minnesota Extension Water Resource team's mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address Minnesota's critical water resource issues by providing and modeling effective education to ensure safe and sustainable water resources.

Phone: 612-624-3738

Email:

Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

University of Minnesota Extension shall provide 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.