Natural Resources Water Educator
Description
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category
Academic Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Outreach Specialist
Job Summary
The Natural Resources Water Educator designs, delivers, and evaluates research-based educational programming and services aligned with the position's programmatic focus in Wood County. Initial programming focus will include:
Building and strengthening partnerships among farmers, residents, watershed organizations, conservation partners, educators, and local officials to advance collaborative, community-driven water resource solutions.
Providing research-based education, outreach, and public engagement on water quality, water quantity, conservation practices, groundwater issues, and other emerging water resource topics.
Supporting and coordinating watershed-based conservation initiatives, including producer-led watershed groups, by facilitating collaboration and sustaining momentum toward shared goals.
Helping communities identify and implement effective water resource solutions by connecting them with resources, funding opportunities, technical expertise, and innovative conservation approaches.
Serving as a local water resource leader and trusted source of information by identifying emerging issues, fostering informed dialogue, and connecting community needs with Extension expertise.
County Location
The main office for this position is located in Wisconsin Rapids, WI and the primary programming focus is Wood County.
Partial Remote
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work requires an approved remote work agreement (RWA). A RWA requires successful candidates to possess their own high-speed internet and phone to perform the work on a university provided computer. Per University policy, transportation between home and assigned work location is not payable/reimbursable and will be at the expense of the employee.
This position has the possibility of working up to 2 days remote per week.
Evening/Weekend Work
This position may be required to work occasional nights and weekends to meet the program needs and priorities of the communities served.
Travel Expectations
It is expected that employees will make individual arrangements for transportation adequate to meet position responsibilities and essential job functions. Read more about UW-Madison Driver Authorization.
Applicants are required to: Have a valid drivers license and a reliable source of independent transportation for periodic in-state work travel, and/or comply with requirements for UW-Madison vehicle use authorization.
Physical Requirements
-
Ability to lift educational equipment, up to 25 pounds with assistance
Key Job Responsibilities
- May assist with the monitoring of outreach program budget spending
- Schedules and secures resources and communicates logistics in support of an outreach program
- Leads the implementation of programs, policies, and procedures through oversight of day-to-day activities for program staff and student and community volunteers
- Delivers outreach program content and materials to community members
- Researches, develops, and facilitates outreach program content and materials
- Identifies, promotes, and maintains external partnerships to support the outreach program
- Communicates plans, activities, and achievements to Program Managers, partners and relevant stakeholders
- Develops and evaluates curriculum and programs and provides recommendations for improvement
Department
The Division of Extension, Natural Resources Institute, Wood County is hiring for a Natural Resources Water Educator.
About Extension
Extension embodies the Wisconsin Idea by developing and connecting the research and educational resources of UW–Madison with residents and communities to address local, statewide, and national issues. We teach, learn, lead and serve, transforming lives and communities.
About the Institute
The Extension Natural Resources Institute ( https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/ ) addresses today's critical environmental issues, particularly the sustainable management of food, water, and energy, by using collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches grounded in an understanding of human interactions with resources. We leverage our team of researchers and outreach specialists to provide science-based information and education, embodying the Wisconsin Idea through extensive partnerships. Ultimately, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions that benefit our shared natural resources through a variety of programs.
Compensation
The minimum annual (12 months) starting salary for the position is $60,795 but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.
Required Qualifications
-
At least 2 years work experience relevant to the programmatic responsibilities of the position
-
Ability to communicate effectively (both in writing and verbally) using a variety of methods and technology,
-
Demonstrated ability to effectively work with people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives
-
Knowledge of water resources, watersheds, aquatic ecosystems, groundwater, water quality, conservation practices, and natural resource stewardship principles
-
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community members, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
-
A combination of at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the area of programming and service delivery such as water quality, civic engagement, adult education and outreach, organizational development and other collaborative, partner-accountable experiences
-
Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs for diverse audiences utilizing a variety of educational techniques, methods, and modes
-
Experience planning, implementing, and/or evaluating civic engagement, leadership and organizational development, and watershed planning with community groups
-
Knowledge of local, state, and federal water resource policies, programs, and regulations
-
Familiarity with stormwater management, watershed protection, lake and stream ecology, groundwater management, or agricultural conservation practices
-
Experience using GIS, data visualization, environmental monitoring tools, or field sampling techniques
Education
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in a field that relates to the responsibilities of this position including but not limited to natural/water resource management, agriculture extension, hydrogeology, soil science, agronomy, rural sociology, environmental science, or other closely related fields
Preferred Education
A Master's degree in a field relevant to the programmatic responsibilities of the position
How to Apply
We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. To begin the application process, click the "apply now" button. You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
-
Resume
-
Letter of Qualifications (cover letter)
Please note when applying, there will be only one attachment field . You must upload all your documents in the attachment fiel d . Please submit a cover letter referring to your work experience and a resume detailing you