Water Resources Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Sea Grant

This position is a permanent, 100% time, academic professional appointment that includes benefits. Annual compensation for this position is dependent upon qualifications, and is expected to range between $55,000 and $85,000. This position will be located at either the University of Minnesota Duluth campus or the St. Paul campus and may be a combination of in-office and remote work.

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.

Job Type: Staff
Application deadline: 08/11/2023
Organization: Minnesota Sea Grant
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.
How to apply: Visit website: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/356247
Location:
Web address: https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/356247

Contact Information:
Kelsey Prihoda

priho011@d.umn.edu