University of Minnesota Hiring for Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Assistant Extension Professor at Minneapolis, MN  Full Time

TITLE: Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Assistant Extension Professor

POSITION TYPE: 50%

LOCATION: St. Paul or Duluth

COMPENSATION: The minimum compensation for this position is $42,870 (100% time salary). Final compensation will be determined at the time of the offer based on education, experience, etc.

POSITION SUMMARY: The environmental literacy and workforce development extension educator will be responsible for creating, planning, implementing, and evaluating accessible education and workforce development programming on Minnesota’s water resources and blue economy that is relevant to the University of Minnesota Sea Grant’s (MNSG) mission and strategic plan. Preferred candidates will have experience and knowledge of teaching in the K-12, non-formal, and/or environmental literacy realms, including working knowledge and experience with Next Generation Science Standards and Minnesota K-12 Academic 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. The extension educator will work closely with other MNSG staff, University of Minnesota Extension Educators, the Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy, and Sea Grant Extension Educators across the Great Lakes region and nation who are involved in related issues. This position is supervised by the MNSG Extension Program Leader.

APPOINTMENT: This position is a 50% time academic professional appointment with MNSG or could contribute 50% to an existing appointment in another University of Minnesota department. The title for this position is Assistant Extension Professor (non tenure track) with the working title of Minnesota Sea Grant Environmental Literacy and Workforce Development Extension Educator.

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 MNSG’s strategic plan. The extension educator will work in cooperation with staff from MNSG, University of Minnesota Extension, Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy, , partner agencies and organizations, and researchers 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.

1. MNSG Extension and Research Duties (85%)

• In coordination and partnership with the Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy and MNSG staff, create an accessible Great Lakes, K – 12, research-based education program that addresses local needs and increases literacy about MNSG’s priority research and outreach issues (e.g., water resources, coastal resilience, blue economy, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, maritime transportation).
• Build and maintain partnerships with state, regional, and national entities (e.g., Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy, educational institutions, research scientists, professional societies) that grow environmental literacy and increase workforce development opportunities in Minnesota.
• Conduct periodic needs assessments among community groups (e.g., school districts, educators, water resource managers, public, industry, etc.) to determine education and workforce development program priorities and inform MNSG’s strategic plan. Define clear and measurable goals and objectives to address these priorities.
• Implement educational programs using a variety of tools (i.e., publications, website content, events, social media, lesson plans, educator tool kits) and connect all programming to Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
• Support formal and non-formal educators in implementing MNSG and Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy curricula.
• Evaluate, track, and report program measures and metrics.
• 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.
• Serve as MNSG’s lead/point of contact for the Sea Grant Center for Great Lakes Literacy.
• Coordinate, lead, and/or participate in statewide, Great Lakes, and national projects and programs, as appropriate and/or requested by MNSG supervisor.
• Participate in MNSG extension program team and/or University of Minnesota initiatives as appropriate.

2. 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 MNSG organization, including but not limited to preparing reports and plans of work, submitting activity metrics, writing and administering grants, serving on committees, etc.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Travel overnight occasionally as required.

3. Core Duties (5%)

• Attend staff meetings and other required MNSG meetings and events.
• Maintain shared, flex, and all office spaces in a professional manner, update computer security and virus protection software, ensure computer files and records are backed-up on a timely basis, and ensure MNSG supervisor has access to all Google Workspace content.
• Maintain a current calendar of events, travel, and program activity viewable to staff.
• 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 MNSG such as the strategic plan, the omnibus (budget) proposal, and the annual progress report.

CODE OF CONDUCT: Contribute to a respectful workplace and contribute as a MNSG team member. Ensure diverse and inclusive programming and employment with attention to affirmative action. Follow the University of Minnesota code of conduct regarding authorship, research, financial transactions, expense reimbursement, vacation and sick leave reporting, use of supplies and office equipment, supervisory duties, use of controlled substances, outside consulting, and use of University and MNSG name, logos, and wordmarks.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A master’s in education is required. This degree must be from an accredited institution or equivalent, and with an emphasis on environmental education, science education, aquatic science, environmental studies or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Demonstrated experience in writing science standards-aligned, inquiry-based lesson plans and a working knowledge of Next Generation Science Standards and Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards.
2. Obtained status as a licensed teacher in Minnesota either currently or in the past.
3. Knowledge of and experience with workforce development principles and practices.
4. At least two years of demonstrated experience in developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating education and/or workforce development programs for diverse audiences using a variety of methods.
5. 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.
6. Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
7. Experience teaching or coaching educators and creating professional development and/or workforce development programming.
8. Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
9. 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.

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

Employees who work 50%-75% time, pay the full cost of employee-only or family coverage. Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.
This position is eligible for any of The University’s voluntary retirement plans. More information regarding retirement eligibility can be found Office of Human Resources Retirement Savings Plans page.

More information regarding eligibility for medical and dental can be found here.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Required application materials include: Resume and Cover Letter. Finalists will be asked to provide 5 professional references.

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.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

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).