Job Announcement: Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator

Logo with gull and the text Minnesota Sea Grant.

DULUTH, Minn. — Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) seeks a Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator who will be responsible for providing outreach and applied research on fisheries and aquaculture for the MNSG Program.

Quick Reference

  • Position type: Full time
  • Location: Duluth, Minnesota
  • Job Open Date: September 16, 2019
  • Job Close Date: Closed

Position Summary

The extension educator will be responsible for providing outreach and applied research on fisheries and aquaculture for the Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Program. Preferred candidates will have experience and knowledge in fisheries and aquaculture. The educator will develop, conduct, and evaluate extension programming relevant to Sea Grant’s mission and strategic plan. The educator will work closely with other MNSG staff, University of Minnesota extension educators, and Sea Grant extension educators across the Great Lakes and nation who are involved in related issues. The educator will also work with appropriate state, federal and tribal agencies along with the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries. Supervision will come from MNSG Associate Director for Outreach and the MNSG Director.

General Responsibilities

The extension educator will focus their outreach efforts on fisheries and aquaculture. The educator will work in cooperation with other Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) staff, University of Minnesota extension and faculty, partner agencies, organizations, and the interested public to accomplish the goals within MNSG’s strategic plan. The major responsibilities for this position fall under the goal of Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture. Three additional goals in the plan that may also be addressed include Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, and Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development. The successful candidate is expected to develop an externally funded program through various grants that generate at least 25% of their annual salary within three years of joining the staff.

Code of Conduct

Contribute to a respectful workplace and contribute as a Sea Grant team member. Follow the University code of conduct regarding authorship, research, financial transactions, expense reimbursement, vacation and sick leave reporting, use of supplies and office equipment, supervisory duties, use of controlled substances, outside consulting, and use of University and Sea Grant name. Ensure diverse and inclusive programming and employment with attention to affirmative action. Make every effort to uphold the Minnesota Sea Grant guiding principles.

Performance Appraisal

In the first year, job performance and employee/employer expectations will be discussed quarterly. After the first year performance of this individual will be assessed annually by the Minnesota Sea Grant Associate Director for Outreach and the Director. Results of such appraisals will be shared and discussed with this individual.

Appointment

This position is a 100% time academic professional appointment including benefits with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. The title for this position is Assistant Extension Professor, with the working title of Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Educator. Any appointment beyond 9623 is dependent upon job performance and new or continued project funding.

Responsibilities

Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension and Outreach (65%)

  1. Conduct periodic needs assessments among various stakeholder groups to determine program priorities. Define clear goals and objectives to address these priorities, which fit within Minnesota Sea Grant’s (MNSG) strategic plan.
  2. Develop, lead, and collaborate with partners on extension programs that are designed to achieve the goals and objectives of the MNSG strategic plan. Programs may include workshops, trainings, or other appropriate educational programs for relevant stakeholders to increase their knowledge, understanding, and use of available resources. Conduct program evaluations and use the results to improve program activities in the future.
  3. Conduct individual research or collaborate with other researchers on projects that address stakeholder concerns and priorities that are consistent with goals in the MNSG strategic plan.
  4. Seek out and apply for outside funding that addresses goals in the MNSG strategic plan and priority needs expressed by stakeholders.
  5. Respond to stakeholder and media calls and requests for information on fisheries and/or aquaculture.
  6. Work with MNSG communications staff to keep eSeaGrant, the MNSG website and other forms of internal and external communications current. Assist communications and other staff with requests for fisheries and/or aquaculture information.

Performance Indicators:

  1. Conduct at least one annual meeting or survey among stakeholders and Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) advisory board to determine outreach needs
  2. Lead and implement at least one extension program annually that addresses the needs identified in task (a) and meets the goals of the MNSG strategic plan.
  3. Assist other organizations and researchers with outreach when requested and if deemed appropriate by the director and extension leader.
  4. By year three (3), support at least 25% of this position through outside grants or other types of funding.
  5. Within one day, respond to stakeholder and media requests for information from outside of MNSG.
  6. Respond to requests for information from other staff within one day.

Coordinate, lead, and/or participate in statewide, Great Lakes, and national projects, programs, and scholarship/professional development opportunities that involve fisheries and/or aquaculture (20%)

  1. Network with organizations such as the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Minnesota Aquaculture Organization, North Central Regional Aquaculture Center, and state, federal and tribal agencies to determine where Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) may have a role that address the goals in the MNSG strategic plan and the goals of the partner organizations or agencies.
  2. When appropriate partner with agencies, organizations and academia to address topics of mutual concern.
  3. Share results of extension programming efforts through written and/or oral presentations at national or regional conferences and through manuscripts, reports, or other media.
  4. Work with the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network, the Sea Grant Fisheries Extension Network, and other similar networks or communities of practice to address fisheries and aquaculture issues within the Great Lakes Basin.

Performance indicators:

  1. Attend at least one local, one regional and one national meeting in fisheries and/or aquaculture that provides information and networking opportunities that align with the Minnesota Sea Grant strategic plan.
  2. After consultation with the director and extension leader, respond to outside requests for partnerships within one week.
  3. Present at a minimum of 1 regional or national conference per year.
  4. Attend and actively participate in Great Lakes Sea Grant Network meetings when held, and participate with the Sea Grant Fisheries Extension Network through conference calls, webinars and occasional meetings.

Participate in general administrative MNSG activities (15%)

  1. Attend all staff meetings.
  2. Maintain office in a professional manner, update computer security and virus protection software, and make sure computer files and records are backed-up on a timely basis.
  3. Maintain current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to staff.
  4. Report work activity on a regular basis using program forms, databases, or other formats as requested.
  5. Help write, edit, design, review, and/or produce documents critical to Sea Grant such as the strategic plan, the omnibus proposal, and the annual progress report.
  6. Assist with development of the Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Request for Proposals (RFP) and review proposals as requested.
  7. Participate in professional development opportunities and mandatory training as required by MNSG and the University of Minnesota.
  8. Serve on various committees as requested (personal search, various university, grant review, professional organizations, National and other Sea Grant programs, etc.).

Performance indicators:

  1. Attend all meetings; if not available contact supervisor or director one week prior to meeting.
  2. Update software as indicated, back-up files at least weekly, maintain presentable office space.
  3. Attend to calendar daily. If schedule change, change calendar and/or send an email to supervisor as appropriate.
  4. Initiate reports/forms as indicated.
  5. Provide requested information on or before deadlines provided.
  6. Provide input as requested.
  7. Attend at least one professional development training per year and complete mandatory training on or before due date provided.
  8. Serve as requested, if outside Minnesota Sea Grant obtain approval from the Director or Associate Director for Outreach.

Required Qualifications

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following:

  1. A fully completed Master’s degree is required. This degree must be from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent, with emphasis on fisheries science, fisheries management, fisheries ecology, and/or aquaculture.
  2. Excellent written, interpersonal, and group presentation communication skills, with demonstrated experience in communicating science to non-scientists.
  3. Demonstrated experience in developing, planning, and implementing education or outreach programs in fisheries and or aquaculture for diverse audiences.
  4. Demonstrated ability of working effectively in a team setting with staff, constituents and partners with varying backgrounds, interests, and abilities in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
  5. Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently
  6. Experience with writing and administering grants, provide at least one successful example.
  7. One year of professional experience in, or working with, a fisheries agency, academia, commercial fishing industry, aquaculture industry or related profession.
  8. Experience in conducting fisheries or aquaculture research/management projects, with two examples of peer-reviewed publications, agency reports, or similar.
  9. Demonstrated leadership skills in planning, implementing, coordinating, and reporting results of research/management projects in fisheries or aquaculture.
  10. Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Chrome for mail/calendaring, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, research and overall management.
  11. Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 35 lbs.
  12. Ability to travel regularly and possess or acquire a valid Minnesota driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Best applicants will also demonstrate the following:

  1. Demonstrated ability to use a variety of outreach, education and training methods.
  2. High level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
  3. Proven experience with writing and administering grants where funding was obtained. Provide a minimum of three successful examples where project was successfully completed.
  4. A record of working effectively with diverse populations.
  5. Knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in applying the logic model in extension work.
  6. Experience or expertise in using social science techniques such as surveys, focus groups, or interviews.
  7. Experience in establishing collaborations and community-based initiatives related to fisheries and/or aquaculture.
  8. Demonstrated experience working with print, radio, TV, and social media.
  9. Experience working with and resolving stakeholder differences.
  10. Three or more years of professional experience in or working with a fisheries agency, academia, commercial fishing, aquaculture or related profession acquired within the last five years.
  11. American Fisheries Society Associate certification.
  12. Experience working with recreational anglers, tribal and state commercial fishers, the aquaculture industry, and a variety of conservation organizations.
  13. Experience and working knowledge of Great Lakes/Lake Superior fisheries.
  14. Experience with different forms of aquaculture.
  15. Experience with analytical and statistical analysis of population dynamics and working with routine fisheries models.
  16. Experience with fish habitat protection, modification, and restoration to enhance the fishery.
  17. Experience in conducting fisheries or aquaculture research/management projects, with three or more examples of peer-reviewed publications, agency reports, or similar published within the last five years.
  18. Experience working hands-on with aquaculture growers.

How to Apply

Job Open Date: September 16, 2019
Job Close Date: Open until filled

Applications must be submitted online, go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 333010. To be considered for this position, please click the apply button and follow the instructions. You will have 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. This position requires that you attach a diversity statement, and a list of references.

Completed applications will be reviewed beginning October 11, 2019.

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