Extension Educator - Forest-Dependent Wildlife (Brainerd, Cloquet, or Grand Rapids)

Working Title: Extension Educator - Forest-Dependent Wildlife

Appointment: Full-time, Assistant Extension Professor (9623), P & A

Extension Area: Department of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Systems

Office Location: Preferred UMN Extension Regional Office locations are in Cloquet, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids. Other Extension Regional Office locations may also be considered.

Apply By: March 20, 2025

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Forest-Dependent Wildlife Extension Educator will develop Extension programming at the nexus of production-oriented forest management and habitat improvement for forest-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern. The position will cultivate and maintain strong stakeholder connections to deliver targeted programming to Minnesota woodland owners and professional forest and natural resource managers.

The educator will be a member of the UMN Extension Forestry team and collaborate closely with Extension educators, program coordinators, and Specialists. Other collaborators include research faculty from the UMN Department of Forest Resources and UMD Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI). Key roles will include stakeholder network development, delivering Extension programming and research-based content through modalities including face-to-face and remotely, synchronously and asynchronously, written, podcast, video, or others. The position may also provide technical assistance to help public and private forest managers identify and implement sustainable forest management activities at scale.

This position is supervised by the UMN Extension Natural Resources Program Leader.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop new Extension Programs for Minnesota woodland owners and the resource managers who serve them to promote forest management activities beneficial to forest-dependent wildlife of conservation concern on private woodlands.
• Assess needs, develop, deliver, and evaluate new Extension programming to help public and private land managers to develop silvicultural and forest management plans that enhance habitat for forest-dependent wildlife species of conservation concern.
• Working with key partners, conduct integrated applied research and demonstration treatments to identify, test, and report the results of habitat-driven forest management activities. Publish this work through outlets like the Great Lakes Silviculture Library and other appropriate locations.
• Collaborate internally with faculty, staff and teams from the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences, University of Minnesota Crookston, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other units and partners.
• As a member of the Extension natural resources team, contribute to Extension programming addressing forest ecosystem health, forest adaptation and resilience, and/or related issues and areas.
• Actively contribute scholarship and service as a member of the Extension, and broader University of Minnesota community. Document professional performance using the annual performance review, professional plan of work and promotion processes for Extension educators with rank.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Currently, Extension personnel are participating in a mix of both in-person and remote work, and we plan to employ elements of a virtual work environment in the future. Preferred UMN Extension Regional Office locations are in Cloquet, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids. Other Extension Regional Office locations may also be considered.

TRAVEL

This person will travel overnight to locations across Minnesota approximately 1-3 nights per month and day trips approximately 1-3 times per month.

Candidates must meet all REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS and must document them in application materials (cover letter and resume/CV).

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree addressing applications of natural, physical, or social science to wildlife conservation, silviculture, forest management, or natural resource conservation.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in natural resource sectors (may include scientists, community members, decision makers, students, media, or others).
• Demonstrated 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 communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Full-time work experience as a forest-dependent wildlife management or conservation practitioner.
• Training or experience in extension theory and practice, including needs assessment and program development, delivery, management and evaluation.
• Experience engaging across the various networks, professions and organizations engaged in family woodland owner education and natural resources management.
• Experience in participatory research, community engagement and knowledge co-creation and delivery.
• Experience writing and administering grants.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and ability to work independently with little or no supervision. This includes the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities, including those that may have diverse missions, goals, cultures and backgrounds.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel (in-state frequently and national occasionally) will be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. This person may be expected to use a personal vehicle and have appropriate insurance. Mileage and sustenance reimbursement are provided according to University policies. Includes some overnight travel, typically once a month.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office and must have reliable internet if/when working outside of the office.
• Must be able to travel within the designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force. Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.
• Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull 15 lbs routinely and 40 lbs rarely as well as sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work on a computer for prolonged periods of time
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT EXTENSION

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 on the Extension website.

Pay Range: $68,00-$78,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

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
• Resume/Vitae

Contact information for three professional references and college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

Please note: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

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 application instructions.

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:

Anna Stockstad, Extension Educator - Forest Ecosystem Health, and search chair, stock523@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.

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

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.