Job Listings Title:
Extension Specialist - Natural Resources, University of Maryland

Post Date
8/22/2024

Expiration Date
11/20/2024

Details:
University of Maryland Extension is seeking a full-time, tenure-track, Natural Resources Specialist to provide leadership for educational program development, delivery, and evaluation on a variety of natural resources and environmental sciences topics including forest management, soil and water conservation, environmental science topics and other related issues. Stakeholders include woodland and farmland owners, natural resource professionals, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, UME volunteer audiences such as Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, youth and others. The Specialist will facilitate partnerships with university colleagues, local, state and federal agencies, forestry/natural resource associations, nonprofit organizations and others to develop relevant educational products and programs. 

The Specialist will be part of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (AGNR), and University of Maryland Extension (UME), and work closely with the Environment and Natural Resource team to provide Extension leadership for natural resource and environmental management related programs. The Specialist will be self-motivated and will work intentionally and collaboratively with partners to increase the visibility and reach of Extension programs that are specifically designed to meet the needs of diverse audiences. The Specialist will use a variety of delivery and communication strategies appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to conferences, workshops, classes, demonstration projects, websites, webinars, social media, publications, and mass media. The faculty member will be on track for tenure and promotion to a higher rank in accordance with UMD policy and UME tenure guidelines within the timeframe defined and will perform teaching, scholarship, and service requirements of a University of Maryland faculty member. In carrying out these duties, the individual reports to the Program Leader & Assistant Director, Environmental, Natural Resources, and Sea Grant Program. 
 
This position is located off-campus at the Western Maryland Research & Education Center located in Keedysville, MD. The Specialist will report to the Assistant Director and Program Leader of the Environmental and Natural Resource Program.

Responsibilities:

• Develop a robust outreach program with emphasis on natural resource and environmental services management that utilizes western science and traditional ecological knowledge where appropriate.
• Evaluate, create and/or manage existing natural resource programs such as: Branching Out Forest Stewardship Newsletter, Woods In Your Backyard, and Maryland Woodland Stewards. 
• Conduct surveys as needed to determine needs of clientele. 
• Collaborate with the partners, networks and interested parties on shared natural resource management objectives and priorities to expand and implement Extension programs.
• Contribute to Master Gardener, Master Naturalist and Watershed Stewards programs.
• Develop and disseminate educational resources, such as fact sheets, bulletins, newsletters, web-based resources, videos and mass and social media as appropriate for diverse audiences. 
• Providing support statewide to county Extension faculty and state natural resource agency personnel.
• Procure extramural funding sources to support Extension and applied research activities.
• Design and conduct applied research projects as necessary and within reason to address natural resource management issues.

Salary & Benefits:
Salary will be commensurate with experience: Master’s Base starting at $64,122; Ph.D.'s Base starting at $76,584. The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package. For more information regarding employee benefits visit: https://uhr.umd.edu/benefits-and-wellness

Applications:
All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/121389. A complete application packet includes a cover letter of application, a current (signed) curriculum vitae, copies of transcripts (official transcripts will be required if offered the position), and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Best consideration date: October 15, 2024. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been identified.
Qualifications:

Required-

• Bachelor of Science in natural resources, forest management, environmental sciences or closely related field.
• Master’s degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, forest management or closely related science-based field.
• Demonstrated ability to teach effectively in non-formal settings. 
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including effective use of electronic and printed media. 
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to manage competing time demands. 
• Self-motivated person willing to set objectives, seek opportunities, provide leadership, and demonstrate success. 
• Knowledge of the Land Grant mission and the role of Extension in Maryland.
• Demonstrated ability to use common computer software including proficiency with information technology.  
• Evidence of capacity to build UME Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect capacity through the Extension program model.
• Personal transportation and valid driver’s license. Must be willing to travel statewide.
• Flexible work schedule for delivering evening and weekend educational programs and activities as determined by clientele availability and needs.
• This position is subject to a Criminal History Record Check and University of Maryland Background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and clearance of the Criminal History Record Check.

Preferred-

• PhD degree in natural resources, environmental sciences, forest management or closely related scientific field.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in a natural resources management discipline. 
• Applied knowledge in one or more related natural resources management field
• Demonstrated experience in Extension, outreach or service related to natural resource management.
• Demonstrated ability in garnering grants and private funding to enhance research and outreach programming.
• Evidence of scholarship in applied research, Extension and/or outreach.
• Experience working with diverse audiences at all socioeconomic levels and demographic backgrounds.

Physical Demands of the Position:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• This position frequently presents information through vocal and written communication to individuals of various ages, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. 
• A routine part of this position's responsibilities would be to transport materials to and from teaching/event locations, including loading and unloading the vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and/or move items weighing up to 30 pounds. Set-up and tear-down of displays, tables, and chairs would be necessary at many teaching sites.
• Team driven, office environment of professional character, competence, and collaboration. Deadline driven in terms of program planning and reporting. This position requires the employee to work outdoors at programs and events. This may occur during very hot and/or inclement weather.
• Visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data and presentations.