Working Title: Extension Educator, Private Wells and Groundwater Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P&A or Associate Extension Professor (9622), P&A Location:Extension Regional Office - Andover, Farmington, or St. Cloud Extension Area:Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR) Salary Range:Estimated annual starting salary range, $59,000-$68,000 for Assistant Extension Professor (9623), or $68,000-$78,000 for Associate Extension Professor (9622) Apply By:July 14, 2024
ABOUT THIS POSITION The Private Wells and Groundwater Extension Educator will lead high-quality, research-based education programs to help private well users and groundwater professionals understand and manage drinking water from private wells. Specifically, the position will lead the development and implementation of two programs:
A statewide private well steward program to create a group of knowledgeable volunteers who will provide educational resources for private well owners, and
A statewide education program for local government staff who have private well management or drinking water quality as some aspect of their work (e.g., soil and water conservation districts, local public health offices, and county governments).
This work will be modeled on similar efforts in other states, including the:
Through this work, the Extension Educator will develop, implement, and evaluate online and in-person programs to educate private well owners and other audiences about groundwater quality and quantity, drinking water testing and treatment, and related topics. These programs may include seminars, workshops, and materials such as newsletters, fact sheets, articles, blog posts, and podcasts. This work will build on existing work happening in Minnesota, including ongoing well water screening clinics. This position is part of a program team consisting of other Extension educators, groundwater researchers, program coordinators, and support staff, and the individual in this role will be a critical connection within the team and between the team and external partners. These partners include the Minnesota Department of Health, local governments, and non-profit organizations. This position is accountable to the Program Leader in Water Resources for program direction, performance evaluation, and personnel actions. The educator will participate in annual performance reviews and more frequent team and individual check-in conversations. Long-term success will be evaluated through the Extension promotion process. This program is funded through an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Health and supported by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment.
RESPONSIBILITIES Note: Percentages listed below express the relative workload for these tasks. They may vary slightly depending on the evolving needs of the position and experience of the individual hired. In developing and implementing the two programs described above, the Extension educator will spend the majority of their time (>50%):
Identifying educational needs and audiences;
Designing curricula and materials;
Providing technical assistance on drinking water from private wells
Planning and implementing workshops, well screening clinics, and other activities; and
Evaluating the impact of this work and how it may need to change in the future.
Collaborating with new, diverse, and historically underserved audiences to develop programs that are customized to the needs of different communities.
The Extension educator will also:
Develop and maintain effective state, regional, national, industry, and university partnerships that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs focused on private wells (20%).
Collaborate on applied research with partners, University faculty, and graduate students (10%).
Collaborate with the Water Resources Center, Extension, and U of M communications staff to design, develop, and implement program materials and marketing via websites and social media (10%).
Participate in team meetings and serve on committees and boards (10%)
LOCATION OF POSITION Extension Educator, Private Wells and Groundwater position will be housed at an Extension Regional Office – either in Andover, Farmington, or St. Cloud. Even though the position will be located at a specific regional office, this position will work on activities and programs across the state. The position will have the opportunity for flexible work, including in-office, remote, and in-field work.
This position will be expected to travel on day trips about 3-4 times per month; overnight trips within Minnesota about 1-2 times per month, for 1-3 nights; and trips outside of Minnesota about 1-2 times per year.
Any of the locations offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural living and a wide range of amenities including dining, arts and entertainment, and year-round outdoor recreation. (Minneapolis and St. Paul ranked second and third nationally in a recent scoring of city parks and green spaces.)
Andover - The Extension Regional Office in Andover is located within Bunker Hills Regional Park, which includes one of the only remaining oak savannas in Minnesota. Andover is in the north metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Farmington - Farmington is a southern suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul and offers 913 acres of park land, open space, and natural areas and 48 miles of trails.
St. Cloud - St. Cloud is the fifth largest metro area in Minnesota is a mid-point between the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and the large number of high-quality lakes in the central part of the state.
All of the communities are within 90 minutes of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
SALARY/BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT
Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
The estimated starting salary for this position is $59,000-$68,000 annually for the Assistant Extension Professor (9623) or $69,000-$78,000 for the Associate Extension Professor (9622), The salary and determination of whether an individual is qualified for the Assistant Extension Professor or Associate Extension Professor will be made at the time of offer and will be based on qualifications and experience. The Assistant Extension Professor classification is generally early to mid-career and where a majority of our Extension Educators are hired. Individuals with numerous years of directly related post-graduate degree experience may be eligible for the Associate Extension Professor classification.
Qualifications: Required Qualifications:
A master's degree in a field closely related to groundwater, drinking water, water resources management, or public health.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in agriculture or water-related sectors.
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, and backgrounds.
Excellent communications skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.
Preferred Qualifications:
Three (3) or more years of professional work experience in fields of water resources, private well management, drinking water, groundwater management, public health, or related disciplines.
Experience designing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs in water resources, private well management, drinking water, groundwater management, or public health.
Experience in academic research projects.
Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
Additional Requirements:
Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a mobile number at the employee's own expense. That number will be published in the Extension staff directory.
Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening or weekend work.
Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
Ability to perform tasks involving frequent repetitive motions, prolonged sitting, standing, bending, twisting, lifting, and carrying 20 pounds frequently, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force.
This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Comments: About the Department
ABOUT EXTENSION AND THE WATER RESOURCES TEAM
This position is a part of the Water Resources Team, a group of Extension professionals at the University of Minnesota who want every Minnesotan to have access to clean, abundant water. The team is a part of the University of Minnesota’s Water Resources Center that aims “To advance the science of clean water for Minnesotans through innovation, workforce development, and knowledge exchange.” As part of the Water Resources Team, this Extension Educator will also work with other program teams to leverage expertise related to cropping systems, livestock management, and natural resources, among others.
University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of Minnesota with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education. Our mission is to make a difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota. Extension strives to attract and retain high-quality, passionate employees, and weave diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of Extension’s programming and employee engagement. Find further information at https://extension.umn.edu/.
How To Apply
Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click on the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position. Please include the following attachments with your online application:
Cover letter that describes how you meet the qualifications listed above and your interest in the position
Resume/Vitae that documents your experience and qualifications for the position
Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
Personalized views and experiences
Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why
Demonstrated learning and growth
Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.
Additional documents may be attached after the application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section. See full instructions, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please email employ@umn.edu or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).
For questions about this position, contact:
Megan Weber, Extension Educator and Search Chair, mmweber@umn.edu.
For questions about applying online, contact:
Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.
Diversity
The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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.
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 U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Employment Requirements
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.
Employer: University of Minnesota Extension Contact: Megan Weber, Extension Educator and Search Chair
