Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor- Watershed/Water Quality Education (USU Botanical Center, Kaysville)

Overview

Utah State University Extension invites applications for a County Extension faculty, 12 month, professional practice position. Extension faculty develop, implement, evaluate, and coordinate research-based educational programs to enhance quality of life for youth and adults. Extension faculty also recruit, train and supervise volunteer leaders and serve as a liaison between local clientele, other resource agencies, and Utah State University administrators, faculty, and programs. This Extension position is based at Wetlands Discovery Point, a center of the Utah State University Botanical Center (USUBC) in Kaysville, UT. The position will be dedicated to water quality, wetlands and watersheds, and other water related Extension STEM and natural resources programming. The individual hired will coordinate and evaluate existing water quality and wetland outreach programs, as well as develop and assess new programs, displays, and other opportunities. Wetland Discovery Point is accessible to Utah’s population centers along the Wasatch Front and provides many opportunities to develop additional monitoring programs and displays, as well as host educational programs and field trips. Though this position will be based at the USUBC, it will also provide programming for and from other Extension Centers and statewide, as appropriate. The position is administered by the Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and will report directly to the Director of this Department.

 

The estimated start date for the position is April 22, 2024.

 

Appointment opportunities include Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor (non-tenure track). At minimum, a Bachelor's degree and substantial professional experience is required for the Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

Promote watershed, water quality, and wetlands education and outreach in the state of Utah, both onsite at the USUBC and off site. Coordinate and facilitate training opportunities for:

• Formal and informal educators on the use of hands-on curricula (i.e. Stream Side Science and the Wonders of Water Discover 4-H curriculum).
• Wings and Water Naturalist Guides on facilitation and informational content.
• Utah Water Watch (UWW) volunteers on monitoring and exploration and monitoring opportunities.
• Community events involving watershed and water quality messages and activities, including: water fairs, field days, 4-H camps, other summer programs and camps;
• Develop enhanced outreach opportunities at the USUBC and Wetland Discovery Point to highlight water issues and to provide monitoring and other experiences that enhance understanding and interest in stewardship.
• Provide oversight and management for the USUBC and Wetland Discovery Point ponds and wetland ecosystems.
• Provide leadership in partnership with The Nature Conservancy to continue and expand the offerings provided through the Wings and Water Program.
• Document impacts of programming and respond to new and emerging needs.
• Develop additional partnerships and employ innovative approaches to reach clientele and new audiences.
• Work directly with the Extension Water Quality Specialist and other campus based Extension Specialists.
• In partnership with the on campus Extension Water Quality Specialist, provide leadership either as P.I. or Co P.I. for the 319 grant funds provided by the United States
• Environmental Protection Agency through the Utah Department of Water Quality.Work with on-campus Extension Specialists and faculty in the Watershed Sciences Department to develop applied research projects and develop and deliver programs to clientele.
• Pursue internal and external funding to support related Extension programming.
• Document impacts and produce scholarly publications based on related Extension programming.
• Manage budgets, personnel, and volunteers.
• Assist in marketing programs and program recruitment.
• Serve diverse audiences and support the civil rights mandate of Utah State University Extension.
• Serve and collaborate with other Extension and University personnel, community and government agencies, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Watershed Sciences, Natural Resources Education, or other related fields plus substantial professional experience teaching in an environmental science field (formal or informal)
• Ability to plan, organize and direct educational programs
• Experience teaching adult and youth audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must have access to reliable transportation to and from w