Kentucky State University Hiring for Research and Extension Associate Environ Ed & Research Center at Frankfort, KY Full Time

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture Community and the Science 

REPORTS TO: Manager of Environmental Education and Research Center

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The Research and Extension Associate – Environmental Education and Research Center in the Kentucky State University (KSU) Land Grant Program and College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences will support Research and Cooperative Extension programs at Kentucky State University’s Environmental Education and Research Center by conducting and developing educational programs in areas of environmental education and natural resource conservation.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:    The Research and Extension Associate will support existing Research and Cooperative Extension programming and collaborate with program staff to maintain EERC facilities and ensure conservation practices are carried out. KSU’s EERC goals are to: 1) facilitate education programs for students of all ages in Environmental Science and other STEM subjects; 2) facilitate research projects for researchers from Kentucky State University and other partnering entities; 3) Utilize land management practices to conserve land and ecological resilience. This position will address these goals through developing and conducting Environmental Education programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

1. Assists in providing environmental education programming and activities at the EERC for visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
2. Serves as a resource on environmental issues and programming for classroom teachers, school groups, after school programs, summer camps, and other groups.
3. Leads outdoor hikes and other activities to demonstrate research and project based learning.
4. Manages student groups and ensures quality supervision during programs, maintaining effective communication with chaperones at all times.
5. Works alongside research and extension professionals to assure sustainable and effective research projects.
6. Interacts spontaneously with visitors and center staff to ensure an inviting atmosphere for the facility, answering visitor questions and providing assistance to guests when needed.
7. Maintain professional partnerships that serve the EERC and Environmental Education
8. Frequent scientific investigations/sampling at KSU facilities.
9. Maintenance and care of the EERC as assigned
10. Travel to schools, project sites, and meetings statewide, as needed.
11. Other related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Science degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a related discipline. One to three years of experience working in the field of environmental education, environmental science, or related disciplines.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:  Must have or be willing to acquire KAEE Membership and Environmental Education Certifications (WET, WILD, PLT, etc.).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:            

• Knowledge in the field of environmental education.
• Specialized research techniques or data management protocols as needed.
• Prior experience teaching K-12 students in informal or formal settings.
• Must have the ability to lead groups over rough terrain and be able to work both cooperatively and independently.
• Demonstrated ability to promote and respect diversity of ethnic, cultural, linguistic backgrounds and, physical and mental disabilities.
• Ability to use a personal computer and a variety of related software applications.  
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to build and maintain forest trails.
• Experience with and ability to implement natural areas management, wildlife habitat management, or land management practices in an outdoor setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive work environment and effective working relationships.
• Ability to travel statewide as necessary.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently and with a team are essential.

• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work will frequently involve exposure to outdoor and indoor conditions. This could involve exposure to unusual elements such as high and low temperatures, rain, snow, dirt, pollen, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, fuel, herbicides, and/or loud noises.
• Working non-traditional hours on occasion, including evening and weekend hours. 

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Frequent travel during work hours and occasionally overnight travel within Kentucky required.

Internal and External candidates are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.