Title: Extension Educator â"Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS)
Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Educator (9625ST); currently funded for 4 years
Extension Dept: Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)
Office Location: Extension Regional Office, Rochester; Flexible hybrid work options available
Salary Range: Estimated annual starting salary $52,000 - $57,000: DOQ
Apply By: June 30, 2024 ABOUT THE PROGRAM Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS) engages the community to advance scientific knowledge by collaboratively formulating research questions, collecting data and interpreting and sharing the results. Extension has grown in this space with programs including Forest Pest First Detector, EmpowerU and targeted participatory science initiatives. The University of Minnesota Extension Forestry Program is specialized in various forestry-related issues including Forest Ecosystem Health, Forest Tree and Invasive Species, and Agroforestry and Bioenergy. This position is accountable to the University of Minnesota Extension Program Leader for Natural Resources in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
ABOUT THE POSITION This new position will support existing, award winning, terrestrial invasive species and participatory science (TIPS) programs by 1) focusing on Hmong community engagement, and invasive species early detection, management, outreach and education and 2) targeting south east Minnesota woodland owners and managers to look for, report and study the impacts of jumping worms on forest soils.
Responsibility and performance expectations: Develop, deliver, and evaluate natural resource participatory science programming; mainly with Hmong communities - 50% Incorporate invasive species reporting into natural resource programming in compliance with grant deliverables. Develop and create programs and educational materials in Hmong language while incorporating Hmong cultures, values and traditions. Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to assess and adapt the program and educational materials to ensure accessibility for audience needs. Recruit and provide community, volunteer and natural resource professional audiences with evidence-based programs; with an emphasis on the Hmong communities. Provide technical assistance to community professionals on natural resources, invasive species and evaluation. Deliver natural resource and invasive species programming including Forest Pest First Detector, EmpowerU and other participatory science projects using evidence-based educational resources and curriculum; with an emphasis on the Hmong communities. Work with the project director to evaluate program outcomes consistent with grant objectives and deliverables. Actively participate in internal statewide teams to expand and deepen invasive species and natural resource programming and connections with Hmong communities. Represent Extension in providing support and expertise when serving on agency or community boards, coalitions or advisory committees related to invasive species, natural resources, participatory science, and Hmong communities or programming. Community support and volunteer liaison - 40% Support implementation of program and initiative opportunities determined by community engagement processes in alignment with grant deliverables. Facilitate and actively participate in community-driven natural resource participatory science. Work with the community to arrange engagement and training, educational offerings, and networking events. Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to maintain the volunteer management system and assist with volunteer compliance. Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to reserve teaching spaces, coordinate participant registration and communication, instructor communication, and development and distribution of educational materials. Maintain a regular system of communication with and among community members and project teams, including in person, via phone/email, and in virtual gatherings. Program logistics and partnership coordination - 10% Conduct evaluations and report program outcomes with program participants, partners, stakeholders and funders; in both English and Hmong languages. Comply with University of Minnesota, Extension, grant funding agency (USDA - Forest Service and Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plant and Pest Center), and community partnersâ™ policies, procedures, and requirements. Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner, including updated calendar, expenses and mileage reimbursement. Other duties as assigned. APPOINTMENT/BENEFITS This is a full time 1.0 FTE, annual Academic Professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Educator (9625ST). The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of county funds, and program needs. Currently funded for approximately 4 years. Internal promotion is available and meeting the promotion policy criteria to achieve promotion is expected. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. Salary commensurate with education and experience; estimated starting salary range $52,000 - $57,000 . Required Qualifications: Bachelorâ™s degree in forestry, natural resources, invasive species, participatory science, communication or a relevant field (e.g., biology, environmental studies, environmental education). Ability to speak and develop educational resources in English and Hmong (will be assessed during interviews, which will include Hmong-language conversation). Demonstrated exceptional customer service skills with diverse audiences; using various methods of communication: verbal, written, etc. Experience teaching or engaging communities in invasive species or natural resources. Demonstrated experience with (as an employee or volunteer), as well as knowledge and understanding of Hmong communities and cultures. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Skilled in Microsoft and Google Workspace applications including data entry, email communications, etc. A proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds. Preferred Qualifications: Experience teaching or engaging communities in invasive species or natural resources. Experience supporting community volunteers and coordinating community activities. Experience with community engagement programming. Experience building sustainable community partnerships or coalitions. Experience developing materials requiring basic design skills. Experience working with Hmong community members interested in natural resources. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Demonstrated ability to take initiative, to work independently and as a reliable part of a team. Additional Qualifications: Valid driverâ™s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance in order to travel to/from multiple locations for work, at times in a single work day; may occasionally need to transport other people and supplies and/or equipment to those locations. Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evening and weekend hours to meet the program participant needs and time availability. Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location. Ability to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office. When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile or alternate number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory. Must be able to sit/stand for long periods of time and lift, push, pull, carry up to 30 pounds and push/pull 50 pounds occasionally. Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force. Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. About University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.
Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
