Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation and Resilience (Cloquet)

Working Title: Extension Educator - Climate Adaptation and Resilience

Classification: Assistant Extension Educator, Job Code 9625ST

Appointment: Full-time, Academic Professional, annually renewable

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

Office Location: Extension Regional Office in Cloquet MN.

Apply By: December 6, 2024

ABOUT THIS POSITION

We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our team at the University of Minnesota who possesses expertise and hands-on experience working with individuals and communities to understand and prepare for the challenges of climate change. The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Extension Educator will collaborate closely with an Arrowhead Regional Development Commission climate planner, and provide education and technical assistance for regional planning efforts to help communities across Minnesota's Lake Superior coastal region prepare for climate-driven threats like extreme weather events, changing temperature and precipitation, and increased chances for plant disease and pest damage.

By joining our team at the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact toward building resilience to climate change in Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Region, including the coastal areas of Carlton, St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. Your expertise and passion will contribute to a more sustainable and prepared future for our communities. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to be at the forefront of climate adaptation and resilience efforts.

We are seeking an individual who can connect and engage with the diverse range of community leaders and other community members from the Lake Superior coastal area, and collaborate with a statewide team of MCAP applied research and Extension Educators and faculty to bring in-depth climate change and adaptation science to assist these audiences in understanding and responding to the impacts of a changing climate. This will include serving as a trusted resource and educator capable of translating global, regional, and local climate information to be both useful and used by coastal communities to understand climate-related threats and engaged in developing regional resilience plans and collaboration-building strategies to reduce their climate-related risks and increase community resilience.

This position will work closely on a NOAA-funded Regional Resilience planning project with a variety of partners including Saint Louis County, Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, 1854 Treaty Authority, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Carlton County, City of Duluth, Cook County, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Lake County, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program, Minnesota Sea Grant, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and others.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help Community and Tribal Professionals Use Climate Information to inform the development of a regional resilience plan: Engage with, learn from, and actively assist Lake Superior Coastal Region Tribal, county, and local water and natural resource managers, community leaders, and others in using climate data and information to understand climate-driven threats, and to inform regional plans and collaborative actions to address these threats.
• Cultivate Climate Understanding: Tailor the design, delivery, and evaluation of the Community Climate Leaders, Climate Adaptation Specialist Training, and other MCAP information and programs to help Lake Superior Coastal Region audiences understand climate and extreme weather threats and build skills to use climate information and other knowledge to inform adaptation decision-making and action.
• Measure Program Effectiveness: Develop and use evaluation strategies to find out what the people we're helping need and to check if our programs and resources are working well.
• Adapt Programs for Everyone: Design and change programs and resources so they work for people with different levels of knowledge, backgrounds, and cultures.
• Cultivate Collaboration: Develop and maintain collaboration with project partners, and Tribal and regional community members to inform and support climate action.
• Contribute to our Long-term Strategy: Work with MCAP and project leadership to refine and update project plans and actions that make communities stronger in the face of climate change.
• Collaborate with Others: Work together with people in MCAP and the Lake Superior Coastal Region, as well as other regional climate services partners/providers, others across the University and other groups of people who have a stake in this work.
• Be Part of the University Community: Be an active member of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership, Extension, and the wider University of Minnesota community.

LOCATION OF POSITION

Primary office location will be the Extension Regional Office in Cloquet. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered for this position.

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

1. The position has an annual University academic professional appointment as Assistant Extension Educator, Job code 9625ST. The appointment is reviewed for renewal annually, with continuation dependent on performance, results, availability of funding, and program needs.
2. Internal promotion is available. Meeting the promotion policy criteria to achieve promotion is expected.
3. This position currently has funding through September 30, 2028, with a possibility to renew.
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

Candidates must meet all required qualifications and must document them in application materials (cover letter, resume/CV and Diversity Statement).

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a field closely related to climate adaptation science including, but not limited to climate science, climate adaptation science, regional planning, social dimensions of natural resources management, environmental science, natural resource science, or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing, delivering, and evaluating community or Tribal engagement efforts related to managing threats like extreme weather, exposure to high heat, changes in air quality, and vector-borne diseases.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific information in clear and concise language appropriate for diverse audiences, particularly in Tribal and/or rural communities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities with diverse missions, goals, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-faceted projects and work independently with little or no supervision.
• Excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and graphic/image formats.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a field closely related to climate adaptation science including, but not limited to climate science, climate adaptation science, regional planning, social dimensions of natural resources management, environmental science, natural resource science, or closely related field.
• Training in climate science, adaptation, and/or climate change evidenced by publications or previous professional experience.
• Experience utilizing climate projections to inform decision-making.
• Experience working on community or environmental issues impacting the Lake Superior Coastal Region.
• Experience developing and conducting adult educational programs.
• Experience with participatory research, community engagement, and knowledge co-production.
• Experience engaging with networks, professions, and organizations passionate about community climate resilience.
• Experience writing and administering grants.
• A proven ability to use technology to enhance learning, communication resources, and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance, to be utilized for travel to workshops and transporting materials and supplies to events; the need to transport other people/employees may occur.
• 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 or weekend work.
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to travel within designated communities and provide in-person programming.
• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged sitting, standing, bending, or twisting, with occasional exertion of up to thirty pounds of force, frequent repetitive motions
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP AND EXTENSION

This position will be a significant contributor to the Extension and research activities of the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), a joint program of the University of Minnesota Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS). MCAP works to develop critical climate science knowledge, champion climate adaptation leadership and support climate resilience actions and collaborations across communities, sectors, and levels of government to ensure Minnesota is making needed progress to prepare for our changing climate. MCAP is a leading multi-sector group and partners directly with state, federal and local governments, the private sector, non-profits, Tribes, community organizations, and individuals.

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 https://extension.umn.edu/

Pay Range: $58,000-68,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

To be considered for this position, please click 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:

• CV/Resume: Include your qualifications based upon the job requirements
• Cover letter: Expressing how your experience and skills match the required and preferred qualifications
• Diversity statement: In 500 words or less, highlight your unique strengths, experiences, perspectives, and values as they relate to equity, diversity and inclusion. Your statement could include the following:
  • Personalized views and experiences
  • Topics through the lens of your own knowledge or experience
  • If you don't have personal experience on a topic, reflect on why

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, https://hr.umn.edu/Jobs/Applicant-Center/Help-Job-Applications/Using-Job-Application-System.

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

For questions about this position, contact:

Nathan Meyer, Program Leader, Natural Resources, meyer179@umn.edu.

For questions about applying online, contact:

Tiffany McMillan, Extension Human Resources, tiffmcm@umn.edu.

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: 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.