University of Minnesota Hiring for Extension Educator – Forest Regeneration (Cloquet, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids) at Minneapolis, MN  Full Time

Working Title: Extension Educator – Forest Regeneration

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

Extension Area: Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems

Office Location: UMN Regional Office in Cloquet, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids.

Salary Range: Estimated annual starting salary $59,000-$68,000; Commensurate with education and experience.

Apply By: May 27, 2024

ABOUT THIS POSITION

The Forest Regeneration Extension Educator will bring in-depth expertise to assist audiences including community and tribal leaders, public and private forest managers, educators, and nursery growers to obtain and select seed and seedling stock for forest regeneration activities. The position will focus on high public value outcomes including leading new programming on tree seed collection and forest regeneration to promote ecosystem productivity and resilience.

The educator will be a member of the UMN Extension Forestry team and collaborate closely with applied research faculty to identify needs, develop, implement, and evaluate educational programming that supports successful forest regeneration and large-scale collection and distribution of viable tree seed to support assisted migration and regeneration stock selection to strengthen Minnesota’s economy and environmental quality. Key roles will include stakeholder network development, delivering Extension programming through various modalities including face-to-face and remotely, synchronously, and asynchronously; as well as providing technical assistance to help seed collectors, growers, land managers, and other stakeholders address questions about forest regeneration and tree seed collection and distribution.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, deliver, and evaluate new Extension programming to help public and private land managers apply appropriate techniques to develop forest regeneration plans, including species selection decisions, to promote healthy, productive, and resilient forests.
• Lead an ongoing process to assess Extension programming needs in Forest Regeneration and related areas.
• Working with key partners, lead Extension programming for both professional and non-professional audiences to increase the capacity of tree seed collectors to collect, document, care for, and deliver viable, high quality tree seed to the regional network of public and private tree seedling growers at a regional or statewide scale.
• Engage and develop relationships with community leaders; Tribal nations; nursery growers; the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and related companies, agencies, and organizations to implement Extension programming to ensure supply of the right tree seed to support Minnesota’s forest regeneration needs.
• Collaborate internally with faculty from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Sciences, the UMN Sustainable Development Partnerships, the Natural Resources Research Institute, and other units.
• As a member of the Extension forestry team, contribute to other Extension forestry programming addressing forest ecosystem health, forest adaptation and resilience, forest management, and/or related issues. These programs may target professional, natural resources volunteers (e.g. Minnesota Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and others), woodland owner, and public audiences in a variety of various modalities.
• 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. The position will be primarily based at the UMN Extension Cloquet, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids Regional Office; hybrid work arrangements may be available.

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.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

1. Extension Educator positions have annual University academic professional appointments and Extension academic rank.
2. Promotion in Extension academic rank is required and is contingent upon accomplishments as an Extension Educator
3. University of Minnesota appointment and benefits. Benefits package available
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.
5. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Minimum starting salary is $59,000-$68,000 and will be negotiated at time of offer.

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 problems including, but not limited to forest regeneration, tree nursery production, silviculture / applied forest ecology, or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly and concisely in appropriate formats for various audiences, particularly in natural resource sectors (e.g., scientists, community members, decision makers, students, media, etc.).
• Excellent communications skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats and the ability to use technology to enhance learning.

Additional Requirements:

• Travel is necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position, sometimes including overnight travel. Travel reimbursement provided according to University policies.
• Valid driver’s license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees 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 have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience or education on forest genetics, tree seed source planning, and related topics.
• Experience as a practitioner in forest management, seed collection, or related fields.
• Training or experience in Extension theory including needs assessment and program development, delivery, management, and evaluation.
• Experience with various networks, professions and organizations engaged in family woodland owner and natural resources management outreach.
• 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.

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 .

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:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/Vitae
3. Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to inclusive excellence. Your statement could include the following:
   • Personal views and experiences,
   • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
   • If you don’t have personal experience on a topic, reflections on why
   • Demonstrated learning and growth

Three professional references and transcripts for all college work (unofficial transcripts are acceptable) will be required during the interview process.

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 instructions, .

To request an accommodation during the application process, please email or call 612-624-UOHR (8647).

For questions about this position, contact:

Charlie Blinn, Extension Specialist-Forest Resources, and search chair, .

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, .

The University of Minnesota and Extension recognize and value 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: .

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.