Job Opportunity: Minnesota Sea Grant Water Resources Extension Educator

Do you have experience and knowledge of:

• Surface water quality in freshwater systems
• Nutrient dynamics and harmful algal blooms
• Pollution prevention
• Marine debris
• Contaminants of emerging concern
• Aquatic invasive species

If this sounds like you and you’re skilled in and passionate about sharing your knowledge with lakeshore communities in Minnesota and throughout the Great Lakes region, we encourage you to apply for our opening as a University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program Assistant Extension Professor.

Quick Summary

Under the working title of Water Resources Extension Educator, this position will be responsible for developing extension programming about water quality of Lake Superior and Minnesota’s inland lakes and streams, delivering programming to Minnesota communities, and evaluating the impact of these programs over time. This position will work closely with other Minnesota Sea Grant staff, University of Minnesota Extension staff, researchers, and partner agencies and organizations. This position will be supervised by the Minnesota Sea Grant Extension Program Leader.

Quick Link

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position, go to http://www.umn.edu/ohr/employment/ and search for job opening 356247. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application and attach a resume and cover letter.

Quick Reference

• Who's hiring: The University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program
• Job title: Water Resources Extension Educator (Assistant Extension Professor)
• Job code: 9623
• UMN Job ID: 356247
• Full/part-time: Full-time (40 hours per week)
• Location: St. Paul or Duluth, Minnesota
• Application open date: July 10, 2023
• Application review date: August 14, 2023 (position will remain open until filled)

Who We Are

Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) is a systemwide program of the University of Minnesota and one of 34 federal-university Sea Grant partnerships across the country that bring applied water science to communities. MNSG’s extension educators, researchers and communicators work with community members, local decision-makers, policy leaders, and personnel from resource agencies, business and industry to protect, enhance and restore habitats, ecosystems and the services those ecosystems provide. We are what makes the University of Minnesota a Sea Grant institution.

About the Position

This position is a permanent, 100% time, academic professional appointment with benefits, and is with the University of Minnesota Sea Grant College Program. Annual compensation for this position is dependent upon qualifications and is expected to range between $55,000 and $85,000.

Position Responsibilities

1. Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) 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 MNSG’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 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 MNSG supervisor.
   • Participate in MNSG extension program team and/or University of Minnesota initiatives as appropriate.
2. General Administrative and Scholarship Duties (10%)
   • Share and/or present results of extension and research efforts at regional and/or national professional events and venues.
   • Complete other duties related to participating within the MNSG 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 MNSG 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.
   • 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 MNSG such as the strategic plan, the omnibus (budget) proposal, and the annual progress report.

Working Location

This position may be located at either the University of Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Program’s Chester Park Building offices on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus or the McNeal Hall offices on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. This position may be a combination of in-office and or remote work as desired by the supervisor and per guidelines in the University of Minnesota Work With Flexibility policy. There may be occasional travel during non-business days and weekends.

Code of Conduct

Contribute to a respectful workplace as a Sea Grant team member. Ensure diverse and inclusive programming with attention to affirmative action and commitment to civil rights. 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 the University of Minnesota and Sea Grant names and Sea Grant's non-advocacy role.

Minimum Requirements

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following required qualifications:

1. Master’s degree from an accredited institution 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.
2. Demonstrated experience in communicating science to non-specialists with a record of excellent written, interpersonal, and group presentation skills.
3. At least two years of demonstrated experience in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating education or outreach programs for diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
4. 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.
5. Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

Best applicants will also demonstrate the following preferred qualifications:

1. Experience writing successful proposals and administering grants.
2. Doctor of Philosophy degree or five years work experience in water science research and/or science outreach programming.
3. Demonstrated high level of analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
5. 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.
6. Working knowledge of current lake and watershed monitoring and/or management techniques.
7. Knowledge of, and experience with the principal aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region and the means of their spread.
8. Experience in creating and publishing peer-reviewed science and/or science education.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To apply for this position:

1. Go to UMN HR Search Jobs
2. Search for job opening 356247
3. Application open date: July 10, 2023
4. Application review date: August 14, 2023 (position will remain open until filled)

Complete the online application and attach all of the following required documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae or resume
3. Diversity statement (one page maximum) that addresses how you have committed yourself to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity and inclusion in your professional and or personal life and how you plan to continue this work in a position with MNSG.
4. Contact information for three professional references

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact a University of Minnesota Access Consultant at 612-624-3316.

The University of Minnesota provides 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. To learn more about diversity at the University of Minnesota, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

If you have started receiving retirement annuity payments from the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) or Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) your eligibility for this position may be impacted. Please contact OHR Benefits at 1-800-756-2363 for more information.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Smoking and chewing tobacco and the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited on all UMD property, including indoor facilities, campus grounds and University vehicles.

Email application procedure questions to umdjobs@d.umn.edu.

Contact

Kelsey Prihoda, Minnesota Sea Grant Great Lakes Transportation Extension Educator, University of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth.

Additional Information

Minnesota Sea Grant is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Sea Grant Program, which supports 34 similar programs in coastal states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. It receives funding through the NOAA - Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and the University of Minnesota. The program partners with local, regional and national organizations and is an integral member of the Great Lakes Sea Grant Network.

Image credit: M. Thoms/MNSG