Extension Educator-Fixed

Working/Functional Title

Integrated Water Resources Educator

Position Summary

Michigan State University Extension is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive organization, which requires all staff to contribute towards a vision for success. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our work, regardless of title or position within the organization. This means that all staff at MSU Extension are dedicated to the following:

We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups. We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture. We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities. We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension. We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff. Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

As part of MSU Extension (MSUE) and the Community, Food and Environment Institute (CFEI), this position provides local as well as statewide leadership and educational programming expertise in water resources management. This position will have statewide responsibilities and will collaborate across work teams, institutes, and community groups, working with faculty, specialists, and educators for overall advancement of the needs of the Institute clientele.

In this position, you will identify, design, implement and evaluate research-based educational programs that meet current and projected outreach needs related to sustainable water resources management. As an expert in one or more of the following aspects of water, you will work with local partners and other MSU faculty and staff to support programming that could address the following topics: the economic development aspects of water infrastructure, regional water infrastructure planning and management, and educational efforts delivered through a lens of “One Water” that focuses on a watershed-scale understanding of the interconnectedness of water across healthy waterways, water uses (residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal), stormwater, and wastewater management. Further, there will be a focus on region-specific issues in and around Genesee County, including lead and drinking water, water infrastructure, and water sector workforce development.

Through collaboration in research, engagement with community members, and dissemination of research-based information through various methods, including in-person and multimedia programming and written communications, you will explore and implement programs that lead to public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that promote wise use and management of Michigan’s water resources. You will also develop, produce, and deliver a wide range of water-related outreach materials with messaging and content that is accessible, inclusive and is consistent with efforts from state agencies and related organizations.

Your work will include close collaboration with colleagues at MSU and MSU Extension, as well as the diverse network of partner groups that include the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MSU Departments of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, Institute of Water Research (IWR), and other applicable departments and units across campus. Additionally, you will continue to grow local partnerships with groups like the Karegnondi Water Authority, Flint River Watershed Coalition, and UM-Flint and Kettering University who also conduct water research in the area.

MSU Extension is a forward-facing organization and Extension professionals need to be present in their communities and interact with residents, community leaders, and other key partners and stakeholder groups. While there is an expectation to work from the MSU Extension Genesee County Office, there may be an opportunity to utilize MSU Extension’s flexible work environment. The needs, responsibilities, and opportunities of an individual’s position and office location drive the ability and amount of work-location flexibility.

This position is a full-time, fixed term end-dated appointment, renewable annually based upon successful performance and continued funding.

Characteristic Duties/Responsibilities

Identify, develop, conduct, and evaluate innovative educational programs that meet current and projected statewide needs, and supports growth and understanding of critical issues facing people in Michigan. Develop and maintain positive working relationships intra- and inter-organizationally and create and promote positive public relations for MSU Extension and the CFEI. Develop and utilize appropriate media methods to communicate current and timely information, research results, and relevant industry updates, as well as a schedule of current and future activities. Collaborate with MSU Extension staff to gather and report programming outputs and impacts, to demonstrate program effectiveness and to guide future program priorities for MSU Extension, the CFEI and work teams. Communicate and interact with community groups to evaluate the needs of the clientele. In concert with the MSU Extension work team(s), work with federal, state, and county agencies to complete needs assessment of the community and develop effective programming. Serve as an information resource to clientele, partners, and Extension staff. Actively participate in professional development opportunities. Understand and support the Community, Food and Environment Institute’s efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion and Civil Rights, with a special emphasis on removing barriers from participation and reaching diverse populations, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status, socio-economic class and other human differences. Author, produce and submit regular research-based educational materials and articles. Other duties or projects as assigned by the Associate Institute Director and District Director.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Limnology, Water Resource Management, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering

Desired Degree

Masters -Limnology, Water Resource Management, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to limnology, water resource management, environmental science, civil engineering, or related field must be earned by date of hire, with an expectation to complete a master’s degree within a specified time frame as discussed with hiring manager prior to employment; or master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to limnology, water resource management, environmental science, civil engineering, or related field must be earned by date of hire. Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation. Ability to demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and use of appropriate approaches, skills, and techniques, which reflect an understanding and awareness of social, cultural, and economic diversity of the target population served. Demonstrated success in program development and delivery to diverse audiences/communities, and proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, color, gender, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status, socioeconomic class, and other differences. Ability to create and carry out a project plan from research of initial concept to project completion and follow-up. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. Experience and proven ability working productively with a team serving in both leadership and contributor roles. Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching. Proficiency in use of technology (e.g., web research, Zoom, Qualtrics, Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, and overall management. Ability to travel in local and surrounding communities and occasional long-distance travel are required as a part of this position. Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs. Transportation is the responsibility of the employee. Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

3-years’ experience in Extension program delivery or demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation, and evaluation (relevant experience acquired within the last 5-years, preferred). Demonstrated drive and initiative, with proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously. Experience in successful contract and grant writing, including securing and managing grant funds and resources.

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