Extension Educator –Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS)

Title:                                   Extension Educator â“Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS)

Classification:                   Assistant Extension Educator, Job Code 9625ST; P&A

Appointment:                  Full-time (100% time), currently funded for 4 years

Extension Area:               Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems (ANR)

Office Location:               Extension regional office option of Andover, Farmington, or Rochester; Hybrid work option available

Starting Salary:                Estimated starting salary range $52,000 - $57,000; Depending on qualifications

Application Deadline:    October 27, 2024

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Terrestrial Invasive Participatory Science (TIPS) engages the community to advance scientific knowledge by collaboratively formulating research questions, collecting data and interpreting and sharing the results. Extension has grown in this space with programs including Forest Pest First Detector, EmpowerU and targeted participatory science initiatives. The University of Minnesota Extension Forestry Program is specialized in various forestry-related issues including Forest Ecosystem Health, Forest Tree and Invasive Species, and Agroforestry and Bioenergy. This position is accountable to the University of Minnesota Extension Program Leader for Natural Resources in the Department of Agricultural and Natural Resource Systems. 

ABOUT THE POSITION 

This new position will support existing, award winning, terrestrial invasive species and participatory science (TIPS) programs by 1) focusing on Hmong community engagement, and invasive species early detection, management, outreach and education and 2) targeting southeast Minnesota woodland owners and managers to look for, report and study the impacts of jumping worms on forest soils. 

Responsibility and performance expectations:

Develop, deliver, and evaluate natural resource participatory science programming; mainly with Hmong communities - 50%

• Incorporate invasive species reporting into natural resource programming in compliance with grant deliverables.
• Develop and create programs and educational materials in Hmong language while incorporating Hmong cultures, values and traditions.
• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to assess and adapt the program and educational materials to ensure accessibility for audience needs.
• Recruit and provide community, volunteer and natural resource professional audiences with evidence-based programs; with an emphasis on the Hmong communities. 
• Provide technical assistance to community professionals on natural resources, invasive species and evaluation.
• Deliver natural resource and invasive species programming including Forest Pest First Detector, EmpowerU and other participatory science projects using evidence-based educational resources and curriculum; with an emphasis on the Hmong communities.
• Work with the project director to evaluate program outcomes consistent with grant objectives and deliverables. 
• Actively participate in internal statewide teams to expand and deepen invasive species and natural resource programming and connections with Hmong communities.
• Represent Extension in providing support and expertise when serving on agency or community boards, coalitions or advisory committees related to invasive species, natural resources, participatory science, and Hmong communities or programming.

Community support and volunteer liaison - 40%

• Support implementation of program and initiative opportunities determined by community engagement processes in alignment with grant deliverables.
• Facilitate and actively participate in community-driven natural resource participatory science. 
• Work with the community to arrange engagement and training, educational offerings, and networking events.
• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to maintain the volunteer management system and assist with volunteer compliance.
• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to reserve teaching spaces, coordinate participant registration and communication, instructor communication, and development and distribution of educational materials.
• Maintain a regular system of communication with and among community members and project teams, including in person, via phone, email, and in virtual gatherings.

Program logistics and partnership coordination - 10%

• Conduct evaluations and report program outcomes with program participants, partners, stakeholders and funders; in both English and Hmong languages.
• Comply with University of Minnesota, Extension, grant funding agency (USDA - Forest Service and Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plant and Pest Center), and community partnersâ™ policies, procedures, and requirements.
• Coordinate with Extension Regional Support Staff to complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner, including updated calendar, expenses and mileage reimbursement.
• Other duties as assigned.

APPOINTMENT/BENEFITS

1. This is a full time 1.0 FTE, annual Academic Professional appointment at the level of Assistant Extension Educator (9625ST). The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of county funds, and program needs. Currently funded for approximately 4 years.
2. Internal promotion is available and meeting the promotion policy criteria to achieve promotion is expected.
3. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy. 
4. Salary commensurate with education and experience; estimated starting salary range $52,000 - $57,000.