EXTENSION EDUCATOR
AQUATIC INVASIVE
SPECIES
Position Announcement
Title:
Extension Educator - Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Program Area:
Water Resources
Center:
Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (AFNR)
Office Location:
Extension Regional Office – Andover or St. Cloud, MN
Application Review Begins:
November 13, 2015. Open until filled.
ABOUT EXTENSION
The University of Minnesota Extension is a major outreach arm of the University of
Minnesota, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied
research and education. Extension’s mission is: Making a difference by connecting
community needs and University resources to address critical issues in Minnesota.
As one of four Extension centers, the Center for Food, Agricultural and Natural
Resources Sciences brings together University experts from many disciplines to provide
effective, research-based education and integrate diverse perspectives to address the
complex demands put on our land and water, and develop balanced, comprehensive
solutions. Because we are part of the communities we serve, we can identify needs
early, set up related research as needed, and develop educational programs to bring
information and training to the community.
The University of Minnesota Extension Water Resources team works with communities
to address Minnesota's critical water resource issues. The team provides researchbased education to ensure safe and sustainable water resources and works in a
number of program areas, including storm water for decision-makers and implementers,
watershed education and aquatic invasive species. The team is aligned with and part of
the University of Minnesota’s Water Resources Center.
ABOUT THE MINNESOTA AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESEARCH CENTER
In 2012, the Minnesota legislature appropriated funds to create the Minnesota Aquatic
Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota, in
collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). MAISRC’s
mission is to develop research-based solutions that can reduce the impacts of aquatic
invasive species in Minnesota by preventing spread, controlling populations, and
managing ecosystems; and to advance knowledge to inspire action by others. A team of
faculty at MAISRC conduct cutting-edge research to develop in-depth understanding of
the biology and ecology of key AIS to determine if there are weaknesses that can be
targeted for control and eradication. MAISRC partners with Extension to increase public
awareness of AIS, including the importance of research to AIS response, and to
develop training programs to expand the state’s capacity for AIS response. The first
several years of funding for this Extension Educator position and program is being
provided through MAISRC.
LOCATION OF POSITION
This Aquatic Invasive Species Extension Educator will be based in the Andover or St.
Cloud Regional Extension Office and serve as a member of a statewide program team
that serves other regions and the entire state of Minnesota. Some clerical, technology
and other support is provided by support staff in the regional Extension office, under the
supervision of the office’s Regional Director. The Educator will be one of several in the
regional office representing different Extension program areas, and will be expected to
develop and maintain working relationships with these and other staff at the office
location.
A secondary office space will also be provided at the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Center on the University of Minnesota St Paul Campus to facilitate program
partnership with faculty from the Center.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
The Extension Educator is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating
educational programs that build local capacity for aquatic invasive species detection
and response. These educational programs will provide training and tools to local
governments, lake associations, AIS professionals, and citizens groups to prevent,
detect, monitor, track, and control the establishment and spread of state-listed aquatic
invasive species.
To accomplish this, the AIS Extension Educator will, in coordination with MAISRC staff
and researchers, Extension colleagues, and DNR staff: 1) develop and lead a statewide
citizen science program aimed at tracking AIS population changes to inform
management and research, 2) contribute to a statewide citizen science program for
early detection of AIS; 3) contribute to other research-based AIS programs developed
in response to state needs , 4) foster partnerships with state and local governments,
lake associations, AIS professionals and citizens organizations, 5) provide programming
to these partners to implement on-the-ground AIS prevention, detection, monitoring and
control efforts, 6) assist with development of an online data repository for collecting and
reporting data generated through these prevention, detection, monitoring and control
efforts 7) assist in securing funding to sustain AIS programming efforts. Training and
other program delivery will include using a variety of communication strategies
appropriate for the intended target audience, including but not limited to workshops,
classes, webcasts, social media, publications, mass media and community coalitions.
The AIS Extension Educator will be affiliated with the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive
Species Research Center (MAISRC) and act as a critical interface between local
community groups, university scientists, and state natural resource agency managers.
The AIS Extension Educator will coordinate with other Extension Educators and
Specialists involved in AIS programming and with MAISRC researchers to operate as a
team. The AIS Extension Educator will also coordinate communications efforts with
MAISRC communications staff.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
Education:
 Assumes program leadership, education and management roles as designated and
appropriate.
 Designs, delivers, markets and evaluates educational and developmental programs
based in scholarly/scientific theory and research appropriate for the adult learner.
 Designs, adapts and delivers programs that address local and/or regional needs,
including those for new, diverse and historically underserved audiences.
 Uses technology to communicate, locate information, design and deliver, evaluate,
and report programs and their outcomes and impacts.
 Ensures that Extension programs, facilities and committees are accessible to new,
diverse and historically underserved audiences.
Scholarship:
 Uses and conducts scholarly/scientific research in the area of expertise as a scholar
practitioner.
 Continues professional development in scholarship/research and program
development, and delivery via conferences, additional graduate work, self-directed
study, and other appropriate means of maintaining a high level of expertise.
Outreach:
 Develops and maintains effective local, regional, university and state partnerships
that further the development and delivery of Extension educational programs.
 Fosters and contributes to a positive work climate and effective teamwork and
collaboration with colleagues, advisory groups, audiences and partnerships.
 Represents Extension through service on county, community, regional and/or
professional boards. This will also include service to civic groups, joint Extensionagency project committees and other committees and task forces. All of these
opportunities are expected to be congruent with area of expertise and professional
goals and will represent no more than 5% of incumbent’s time.
Staff Development and Administrative Needs:
 Assumes program support functions as needed such as contract and/or fiscal
management, data-management, grant reporting, public relations and marketing with
Center leaders and Regional Directors.
 Secures funds and resources to support educational programs as outlined in the
program business plan.
 Actively participates in staff development and program team activities.
 Collaborates with the Program Leader and the Director of the Minnesota Aquatic
Invasive Species Research Center to establish, evaluate and report on annual work
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goals, activities, impacts and outcomes that align with program area priorities and
demonstrate progress on criteria associated with promotion in Extension academic
rank.
Participates and succeeds in progress regarding professional performance including
the systems of annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion.
Makes contributions to the six promotion in Extension academic rank criteria,
program leadership, extension teaching, scholarship, engagement, program
management and service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
 A completed Master’s degree at time of appointment. At least one degree in
areas of natural resource science, environmental science, water resources,
fisheries and aquatic biology, or related fields.
Experience:
 Experience working in aquatic systems (lakes, rivers or wetlands)
Skills/Abilities:
 Excellent oral and written communication skills
 Ability to design, deliver and evaluate research-based educational programs
 Evidence of skills in developing and maintaining effective working relationships
with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
 Ability to manage conflict
 Ability to work effectively with new and diverse audiences
 Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
 Ability to use creativity, reasoning, past experience, information and available
resources to resolve issues
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
 Course work in aquatic invasive species, water resources, natural resources,
environmental sciences, adult education, citizen science, and/or facilitation
methods
 Course work in analysis of populations, biostatistics
Experience:
 Experience with aquatic invasive species biology and management
 Experience in working with local governments, lake associations, and citizens
groups to address natural resources issues
 Experience with curriculum development and teaching in formal (classroom) or
informal settings
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Experience with leadership and management of volunteers and/or diverse
clientele
Experience in developing and administering grants
Experience in evaluating program outcomes and impacts
Skills/Abilities:
 Ability to drive and tow watercraft
 Ability to swim and use snorkeling equipment
 SCUBA certified
BENEFITS/APPOINTMENT
 The Extension Educator position has an annual University academic professional
appointment and Extension academic rank. Rank is assigned at hire contingent
on education and professional experience and accomplishments
 The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent
on performance, results, availability of funds, and program needs
 The position carries Extension academic rank. Successful advancement in rank
is expected and contingent on accomplishments as an Extension Educator as
governed by Extension’s promotion system policies and procedures
 University of Minnesota appointment and benefits, including health and life
insurance. Benefits are listed on the University of Minnesota Human Resources
web page: www.umn.edu/ohr/eb
 Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with
University policy. Successful applicant must provide his or her own means of
transportation, and carry legally required vehicle insurance
 Successful applicant must provide his or her own cell phone
 Salary commensurate with education and experience
TO APPLY
Job Opening ID: 305531
Please apply online: http://www.extension.umn.edu/about/employment/
Include the following attachments with your online application:
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Vitae
Cover letter
Transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the
application stage).
Names and contact information for three professional references.
First apply online and submit cover letter and resume.
To submit your transcript(s) and names and contact information online please go to:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/
Click on Employment
Click on “Using the Job Application System” (5th bullet on the left hand side of the
screen)
Click on “My Activity” under “Application Activities”
From the drop box select: Transcripts or Reference Attachments
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR APPLICATION CONTACT
Naaz Babvani, Extension Human Resources 260 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue,
University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108 Telephone: 612-624-3717 Fax: 612-6247749 babva001@umn.edu
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POSITION CONTACT
Faye Sleeper
Program Leader for the Extension Center of Food Agricultural and Natural Resources
Sciences
Associate Director, University of Minnesota Water Resources Center
173 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Street
St. Paul, MN 55108
The University of Minnesota Extension Water Resource team's mission is to make a
difference by connecting community needs and University resources to address
Minnesota's critical water resource issues by providing and modeling effective education
to ensure safe and sustainable water resources.
Phone: 612-624-3738
Email: fsleeper@umn.edu
Any offer of employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background
check.
University of Minnesota Extension shall provide 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.