MN Sea Grant Environmental Literacy Extension Educator
Minneapolis, MN 
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Job Description
Job ID
357886
Location
All Other -See Job Description
Job Family
Education-Extension
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Code
9623
Employee Class
Acad Prof and Admin
About the Job

POSITION SUMMARY:

The environmental literacy extension educator will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating education and workforce development programming on topics focused on water resources of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland lakes and streams relevant to the University of Minnesota Sea Grant's mission and strategic plan. Preferred candidates will have experience and knowledge of teaching in the K-12, non formal, and environmental literacy realms including working knowledge and experience with Next Generation Science Standards. The extension educator will provide educational and professional development opportunities for teachers, non formal educators and water resource professionals, and may also provide direct teaching experiences for K-12 students focused on issues relevant to Minnesota water resources. The extension educator will work closely with other U of M Sea Grant staff, U of M Extension Educators, and Sea Grant Extension Educators across the Great Lakes region and nation who are involved in related issues. This position is supervised by the U of M Sea Grant Extension Leader.

Applications would be welcome from current University of Minnesota faculty who would like to revise their current position to include a 50% extension position with Minnesota Sea Grant. In this case, the faculty member should submit a letter of support from their current department head or supervisor. A position of this type could be arranged via a short or long term memorandum of understanding that spells out the terms of collaborative co-supervision with their current department and the Extension Leader of Minnesota Sea Grant.

APPOINTMENT:
This position is a 50% time academic professional appointment with the U of M Sea Grant College Program. The title for this position is Assistant Extension Professor with the working title of Environmental Literacy Extension Educator. Promotion opportunities are dependent on job performance and available funding. The performance of this individual will be assessed annually by the U of M Sea Grant extension program leader. Results of annual appraisals will be shared and discussed with this individual.


RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Assistant Extension Professor will focus their education and workforce development programming efforts on water resources, flood and coastal and climate change resilience, water quality, invasive species, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transportation and other water resources topics related to Minnesota Sea Grant's strategic plan. The extension educator will work in cooperation with other U of M Sea Grant staff, U of M Extension staff, researchers, partner agencies and organizations to accomplish the goals relevant to their area of expertise within the Minnesota Sea Grant Strategic Plan. Work must be related to one or more of Sea Grant's four focus areas: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Resilient Communities and Economies, Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development, and Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

U of M Sea Grant Extension and Research Duties (85%)

  • Conduct periodic needs assessments among community groups (school districts, educators, water resource managers, public, industry, etc.) to determine education and workforce development program priorities. Define clear and measurable goals and objectives to address these priorities, which fit within Minnesota Sea Grant's Strategic Plan. Evaluate, track, and report program measures and metrics.
  • Plan, create, implement and evaluate major educational and workforce development programs that meet the goals of Minnesota Sea Grant.
  • Develop initiatives for the delivery of Great Lakes and water resources literacy programming for grades K-12 formal and informal education practitioners in Minnesota and throughout the Great Lakes in coordination and partnership with the Center for Great Lakes Literacy.
  • Implement educational programs using a variety of tools such as publications, website content, events, social media, lesson plans, educator tool kits, games, etc.
  • Build and maintain partnerships that grow environmental literacy and increase workforce development opportunities in Minnesota.
  • Develop and maintain an extramurally funded research program in education related to water resources that will fund 25% of their MNSG salary within three years.
  • Connect all educational programming to Minnesota state standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate, lead, and/or participate in statewide, Great Lakes, and national projects and programs, as appropriate and/or requested by U of M Sea Grant supervisor.
  • Participate in U of M Sea Grant extension program team and/or U of M initiatives as appropriate.

General Administrative and Scholarship Duties (10%)

  • Share and/or present results of extension and research efforts at regional or national professional events and venues.
  • Complete other duties related to participating within the U of M Sea Grant 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.

Core Duties (5%)

  • Attend staff meetings and other required U of M Sea Grant 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 (e.g., U of M Google calendar).
  • 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 U of M Sea Grant such as the strategic plan, the omnibus (budget) proposal, and the annual progress report.
Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. A master's in education is required. This degree must be from an accredited institution or equivalent, with emphasis on environmental education, science education, aquatic science, environmental studies or a related field.
  2. Demonstrated experience in writing standards-aligned, inquiry-based lesson plans and a working knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards.
  3. At least two years of demonstrated experience in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating education 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:

  1. Experience writing successful proposals and administering grants.
  2. PhD or five years work experience in environmental education programming.
  3. Interest and experience in aquatic science, ecology, earth science or other related natural sciences.
  4. Experience teaching or coaching educators and creating professional development programming.
  5. Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
  6. Strong knowledge of pedagogical foundations and understanding of current research in experiential and inquiry-based learning, social emotional learning, inclusive education practices and science and phenomena-based curricula.
  7. Working knowledge of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland lakes and streams, water resource management topics, water resources, flood and climate change resilience, water quality, invasive species, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transportation, and others.
  8. Knowledge of, and experience with workforce development principles and practices.
How To Apply

JOB OPEN DATE: 10/4/2023

JOB CLOSE DATE: Open until filled

To apply for this position, go to and search for job opening 357886.

To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Complete applications must include:

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Current 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 e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

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.

Veterans and individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

The University of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer.

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

Diversity

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:

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.

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).


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.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Part Time
Required Education
Master's Degree
Required Experience
2+ years
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